1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

**Oppose DHS Appropriations That Expand ICE Operations in Communities** I am writing to urge you to oppose any Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill that increases funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement or fails to impose meaningful restrictions on its operations in our communities. On January 7th in Minneapolis, Minnesota, ICE killed Renee Good, an American citizen. This tragedy underscores a fundamental problem with how ICE operates. Unlike traditional law enforcement agencies that answer to local communities and elected officials, ICE conducts dragnet arrest operations with minimal oversight and accountability. These operations terrorize entire neighborhoods and, as we saw with Renee Good's killing, endanger everyone in their path regardless of citizenship status. ICE's presence in communities creates fear that prevents people from accessing essential services, reporting crimes, or cooperating with actual law enforcement. When residents cannot trust that calling for help won't result in immigration enforcement action against themselves or their neighbors, public safety suffers for everyone. This is not how legitimate law enforcement functions in a democratic society. I am asking you to take specific action on the next DHS appropriations bill. First, strengthen restrictions on ICE's ability to conduct dragnet arrest operations and target people based on race, language, accent, place of employment, or location. Second, end Border Patrol deployment to cities and reject its expanding mandate in immigration enforcement. Third, limit DHS's reprogramming and transfer authority to prevent the agency from redirecting funds toward detention operations. These measures are not about eliminating immigration enforcement entirely. They are about ensuring that federal agencies operate within appropriate bounds and do not undermine community safety in the name of enforcement. Renee Good's death demands a response from Congress. I expect you to refuse to vote for any appropriations bill that fails to rein in ICE and to actively push for legislation that restricts these harmful operations.