1. United States
2. Nev.
3. Letter

To Senator Catherine Cortez-Masto and Senator Jacky Rosen: On January 30, 2026, ICE funding runs out, and the Senate will need to pass a CR. Democratic votes will be necessary for passage, so leverage exists. Unfortunately, you both folded in the last budget vote without anything to show for it. The ACA subsidies have expired, and the bill is basically dead. While we still have much concern over healthcare, the most pressing concern currently is the siege of ICE and Border Patrol on American cities, bringing violence and chaos. People have died at the hands of ICE. Murderers and domestic terrorists are out of control. If you don't understand the direness of the situation, maybe you should visit Minneapolis. Your constituents are tired of your tone-deaf non-responses and continued aiding and abetting of a fascist regime. Your proposal to shift money to local law enforcement is a non-starter. Metro’s budget has increased by $190M over three years. They don't need more money. Besides, it could still get used for unlawful and unconstitutional acts because of Lombardo’s “agreement” with ICE, which includes: • Using FEMA funding for ICE detention centers • National Guard providing support in immigration enforcement operations • Blocking the AG and Legislature from enacting “unlawful” sanctuary policies • Metro rejoining the federal 287(g) program • Stopping Nevada’s Office for New Americans from providing legal assistance referrals for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), and those seeking Temporary Protected Status or Legal Permanent Residency Lombardo does not possess the authority to make these agreements because Nevada is a Dillon’s Rule State. Local government agencies can only do what the state explicitly says they can. For a county or city to exercise a new rule, the State Legislature must grant it. The ACLU of Nevada has challenged Metro’s agreement with ICE on this basis. What we actually need funding for: healthcare, education, social programs, SNAP, infrastructure, and other things that actually help the people. The threat is real. Las Vegas could be invaded next. We firmly believe that stripping the entire broken and abusive Department of Homeland “Security” down to the studs is the moderate position at this point, and that when we regain power, we need to do that as soon as possible. We have four clear demands: Reject increased funding for ICE or Border Patrol: The budgets for ICE and Border Patrol have already skyrocketed. Every Member of Congress should refuse to give another penny to these agencies as they tear apart our communities. Restrict ICE and Border Patrol’s ability to conduct dragnet arrest operations and target people based on their race, language or accent, place of employment, or location at the time of the apprehension. These agencies have secretively created a mass surveillance apparatus that uses dragnet techniques to forcibly collect and track biometric data on American citizens and immigrants alike without any legislative, judicial, or public oversight. End Border Patrol deployments to our cities and reject its ever-expanding mandate in immigration enforcement. Trump’s DHS has been deploying Border Patrol in complex immigration enforcement campaigns in cities far from any border, harassing communities, and refusing to communicate with local law enforcement. Limit DHS's reprogramming and transfer authority, including specifically preventing reprogramming and transferring funds for detention. This prohibits DHS from continuing to move money around to fuel ICE and Border Patrol lawlessness. We understand well that you are beholden to your donors and not the residents of Nevada. Know this - something is happening here. This is a movement, not a moment. Progressive change is coming. Stand up for the people of Nevada. It's your duty to do so.