|
Meredith, This weekend, the nation watched in horror as another civilian was beaten and killed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in broad daylight, surrounded by bystanders. Our communities — in Minnesota and beyond — are reeling from the irreparable harm and trauma that federal immigration enforcement efforts have caused. The Administration continues to scale up its overreach, intimidation, and suppression. Congress has the authority and responsibility to take vital action immediately. This week, the Senate will be voting on House-passed spending legislation ahead of the January 30th deadline to keep the government fully funded. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) appropriations bill includes additional funding for ICE and Border Patrol but does not impose sufficient DHS oversight and accountability measures. Further, the expansion of federal immigration enforcement efforts has proliferated and revealed the abuses that ICE is inflicting on civilians. Congress has the authority to conduct investigations, a crucial role in maintaining checks and balances, and a vital role in protecting its constituents. We need you to stand with the League to demand that: Senators reject additional funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), or immigration detention, and impose additional agency guardrails and accountability measures; Congress investigates ICE, CBP, and the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS's) use of force; and Congress takes steps to protect the constitutional rights of civilians to peacefully protest and assemble without having their lives threatened or taken.
While people have proven to be incredibly strong and powerful, mobilizing in tens of thousands with protests, walkouts, boycotts, community support efforts, and more, we must continue to act. Now is the time for the voice of the people to rise up and hold our elected leaders in Congress and the White House accountable for their actions or lack thereof. We must condemn government violence and demand oversight and accountability. The safety of our communities and the future of our democracy depend on it.
|
