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

Dear Senator Schumer, I am writing as a deeply concerned constituent who believes this is a moment that demands moral clarity, not procedural half-measures. I have read your recent comments indicating that Democrats may withhold funding for DHS and ICE while advancing other Republican bills. Respectfully, that is not good enough. ICE has gone far beyond its mandate. Its actions now routinely violate civil liberties, due process, and basic human decency. Communities are being terrorized, families torn apart, and constitutional norms eroded — all under the color of law and with federal funding. At this point, continued funding without fundamental reform is complicity. Democrats have limited power right now. But leverage, when it exists, matters. The ability to withhold funding is one of the few real tools available — and it should be used. Advancing other legislation while allowing DHS and ICE to continue operating unchecked sends the wrong message: that norms can be broken, rights abused, and democracy strained without consequence. There are moments when shutting down the government is not reckless, but necessary. This is one of them. History does not look kindly on leaders who prioritized process over principle when institutions were being abused. I urge you to draw a clear line. Use the leverage you have. Withhold funding for DHS and ICE until there is meaningful accountability, reform, and a recommitment to constitutional values. Democrats must show the country — and the world — that there are limits to what we will tolerate. This is not about politics. It is about defending democracy, the rule of law, and our shared humanity. I hope you will lead accordingly.