Include Strong Oversight and Limits on ICE in DHS Appropriations

I am writing to urge you to include meaningful, enforceable restrictions on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the long-term Department of Homeland Security (DHS) appropriations bill. Congress has both the authority and the obligation to rein in ICE’s abuses, restore constitutional protections, and ensure taxpayer dollars are not used to harm communities. At a minimum, the DHS appropriations bill must include the following provisions: First, no additional funding for ICE. ICE already has approximately $75 billion allocated over the next four years. There is no justification for adding another $10 billion while the agency continues to demonstrate a pattern of abuse, lack of transparency, and failure to respect constitutional rights. Second, independent inspectors inside every ICE detention facility, with full access and authority to monitor conditions, investigate complaints, and prevent abuse, neglect, and medical mistreatment of detainees. Third, a requirement that ICE agents obtain a judicial warrant, signed by a judge, before entering a home or making an arrest. Administrative warrants must not be treated as substitutes for judicial oversight. Fourth, a ban on ICE agents entering protected and sensitive locations, including schools, hospitals, medical clinics, doctors’ offices, and places of worship. These spaces must remain safe and accessible for everyone, without fear of detention or deportation. Fifth, a complete ban on ICE detaining or deporting children and minors, and a clear prohibition on detaining or deporting U.S. citizens under any circumstances. Sixth, a ban on ICE agents wearing face coverings or masks to conceal their identities, along with a requirement that agents clearly display identifying information at all times. Seventh, strict limits on DHS’s ability to transfer funds internally, preventing DHS from diverting money from FEMA, the Coast Guard, or Border Patrol budgets to expand ICE operations without explicit congressional approval. Eighth, the removal of Border Patrol officers from cities. Border Patrol’s role is at the border; their presence in interior communities contributes to fear, profiling, and abuse of authority. Ninth, an end to ICE arrest quotas, which incentivize unnecessary, harmful, and indiscriminate enforcement rather than prioritizing public safety. Tenth, a requirement that ICE agents wear body cameras, with clear rules governing their use, data retention, and public accountability. Eleventh, a ban on ICE or DHS engaging in mass surveillance or data collection beyond what is legally permitted, including facial recognition of protesters or retaliatory actions such as revoking Global Entry or Known Traveler Numbers without due process and a judicial warrant. Twelfth, a ban on ICE conducting roving patrols, which often lead to racial profiling and unconstitutional stops. Finally, a mandatory, enforceable code of conduct for ICE agents, with real consequences for violations, including termination and referral for prosecution when appropriate. Congress controls the power of the purse. Continuing to fund ICE without strict limits and accountability enables ongoing civil and human rights violations. I urge you to use the DHS appropriations process to protect constitutional rights, ensure humane treatment, and prevent further abuse of power. Thank you for your time and for taking this request seriously.