1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

As of this afternoon, February 12th, news from Washington that Senate Democrats blocked DHS funding without meaningful immigration enforcement reforms is welcome and overdue. This is the first clear sign in months that Democratic leadership is willing to use the limited leverage available to confront abuses by ICE and DHS. Now you must hold the line — and go further. Half-measures and symbolic guardrails are not enough. The American public has witnessed escalating violence, expanding detention infrastructure, and the continued erosion of civil liberties under the current enforcement regime. The killing of Alex Pretti — an ICU nurse and American citizen shot during a federal immigration operation — alongside the death of Rene Nicole Good, has become a breaking point for many Americans demanding real accountability and systemic change. A government shutdown is not a failure if it is used to defend constitutional rights and prevent the expansion of unchecked federal power. Democrats must reject any compromise that preserves the status quo or funds agencies that continue to operate without meaningful oversight. This is the moment to demonstrate resolve. We urge you to: • Refuse all additional funding for ICE and DHS unless binding statutory reforms are enacted. • Commit to dismantling ICE in its current form and replacing it with a humane, accountable system consistent with constitutional protections. • Block funding for new detention facilities and mass detention expansion, which increasingly resemble large-scale incarceration infrastructure incompatible with democratic values. • Use the shutdown as leverage to secure real concessions — not voluntary promises or executive assurances that can be reversed overnight. • Hold immediate congressional hearings into ICE and DHS operations, use-of-force policies, and leadership accountability. • Compel testimony under oath from DHS and ICE leadership regarding recent killings, enforcement tactics, and misinformation directed at the public. • Ensure independent investigations into the deaths of Alex Pretti and Rene Nicole Good, with preservation of all evidence and meaningful state-level access to investigative processes. • Establish enforceable accountability mechanisms so federal agents cannot act with perceived immunity when using lethal force against civilians. • End the culture of fear, intimidation, and dehumanization directed at immigrant communities, observers, and protestors. Polling and public response make clear that Americans are increasingly alarmed by aggressive federal enforcement tactics and want meaningful reform — not political theater. If Democratic leaders want to demonstrate that they can fight for democratic values and human rights, this is the fight. Do not retreat now. Do not accept cosmetic concessions. Do not allow negotiations to dilute the urgency of this moment. Hold firm. Use your leverage. Deliver real change. We, the people, your constituents are behind you! Anything less will further alienate a populace deeply disillusioned by the Democratic Party. Take this opportunity and redefine your image.