1. United States
2. Ill.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my strong support for the decision to block the Department of Homeland Security funding bill on Thursday, which failed to advance with a 52-47 vote. This principled stand on immigration enforcement accountability is exactly what constituents like me expect from our representatives. The current impasse over DHS funding centers on critical questions about ICE's enforcement practices, particularly following incidents in Minneapolis. I appreciate that you rejected the White House's latest offer as insufficient rather than accepting a compromise that would have failed to address fundamental concerns about immigration enforcement oversight. Requiring accountability from ICE before approving funding is responsible governance, not obstruction. I understand this position risks a DHS shutdown starting Saturday morning that will affect TSA, FEMA, the Coast Guard, and other agencies. However, ICE has mandatory funding that will keep it largely operational regardless of the shutdown. This means the leverage point for demanding reforms exists now, before approving discretionary funding without conditions attached. The fact that both chambers adjourned for a scheduled one-week recess with members on call to return within 24 to 48 hours demonstrates that this is a negotiating position, not an abandonment of duty. Real accountability measures for immigration enforcement are worth the temporary disruption, especially when the agency in question will continue operating throughout any shutdown. I urge you to maintain this position and continue demanding meaningful accountability provisions in any DHS funding agreement. Do not accept a two-week stopgap measure that simply delays this necessary conversation. The American people deserve immigration enforcement that operates with transparency and oversight, and this funding debate provides the opportunity to secure those protections.