1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to defund Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), the deportation force within ICE. This is distinct from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), which investigates transnational crimes and should continue operating. ERO, however, wastes over $18 billion annually—more than the FBI, DEA, ATF, Secret Service, and US Marshall Service combined—while actively harming American workers and public safety. ERO does not make us safer. During the first two months of the Trump administration, only 1% or fewer of arrested non-citizens had prior convictions for serious crimes like sexual assault, kidnapping, or homicide. One-third had no criminal conviction at all. The vast majority were convicted of minor offenses like DUI, traffic violations, or immigration violations. ERO arrests doctors with decades-old misdemeanors, 9/11 volunteers, and combat veterans while claiming to target dangerous criminals. ERO's operations actively undermine criminal prosecutions. In June 2018, 19 HSI agents requested separation from ERO because association with ERO causes local police to stop cooperating with HSI investigations. ERO has diverted $5 million in FY11, $10 million in FY13, and $34.5 million in FY16 from HSI's budget. Under Trump, ICE courthouse arrests rose 1,700%, deterring crime victims and witnesses from testifying. ERO has deported government informants who helped arrest gang members and victims of human trafficking willing to testify against their traffickers. Americans are losing jobs because of ERO's aggressive tactics. ICE raids have shut down entire factories and decimated towns. Deportations prevent businesses from opening during tourist season and threaten industries like dairy farming. Economists agree that immigration is essential for economic prosperity and social security sustainability, yet ERO's enforcement drives away the workers our economy needs. There is clear precedent for this action. In 2018, Congress defunded federal marijuana prosecutions in states where it is legal without repealing the law or creating a replacement agency. Congress simply removed funding for misguided enforcement. I urge you to do the same with ERO while maintaining HSI's legitimate investigative functions.