1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

Yesterday, thousands of our neighbors in Portland—just across the river from Vancouver—were tear-gassed by federal agents while peacefully protesting ICE. Children were gassed. Union members from across the district were gassed. Portland's mayor called on ICE to close the facility. This weekend, I learned that at least six people died in ICE custody in January alone. One death was ruled a homicide by a medical examiner. This is what you voted to fund on January 22nd. As your constituent, I am writing to state my position clearly: ICE should be abolished entirely. In two weeks, when the revised DHS bill returns to the House, you will vote again. The bill will likely include the accountability measures Senators Murray and Cantwell are negotiating: warrant requirements, body cameras, restrictions on roving patrols, independent oversight. I expect you to vote NO. Even with reforms, ICE has proven itself incapable of operating within constitutional bounds. Eight deaths in one month. Peaceful protesters gassed in our district. This cannot be reformed—it must be defunded. Your vote on January 22nd accomplished nothing except removing your leverage. Your senators are leading. Follow them. Vote NO. That's the strategy.