Local lawmakers say they’re voting “no” on a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security due to escalating violence in Minneapolis — and elsewhere — at the hands of immigration agents.
“Congress cannot continue writing blank checks to any federal agency that fails to meet basic standards of accountability, transparency, and respect for constitutional rights,” said Rep. Mike Levin in a statement, adding that ICE continues to operate with less oversight than most other law enforcement agencies.
“We have seen repeated cases involving excessive force, mistaken detentions, and enforcement actions affecting U.S. citizens and lawful residents.”
Levin said that Republican leadership explicitly rejected protections for American citizens.
“My position is simple: federal agencies must follow the law and operate transparently. Until meaningful safeguards are in place, I will not support funding that enables ICE to operate without proper oversight.”
Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and others from affiliated agencies have swarmed cities in the last year, blocking off streets, emptying out buildings, and dragging people from their cars and homes, but their tactics have escalated in recent months.
In Minneapolis, one agent shot an unarmed woman — Renee Good — in the face, killing her as she sat in her car.
“There is no justification for this,” said Rep. Juan Vargas in a statement “I won’t vote to send taxpayer dollars to a rogue agency that terrorizes our communities, escalates violence, and denies people their constitutional rights.”
He described ICE’s actions as being out of control.
“Today, the House will vote on a bill to give ICE over $10 billion in federal funding with no guardrails. I am voting NO.”
Rep. Scott Peters also put out a statement explaining his “no” vote.
“In May, ICE agents stormed Buona Forchetta, a small neighborhood restaurant in my district,” Peters said.
“They slammed the owner against a wall, handcuffed employees, and deployed flash-bang grenades on bystanders outside. All to apprehend four peaceful, hardworking dishwashers, not violent criminals or drug kingpins. Schools, small businesses, families, and children have all been caught in the crossfire of ICE’s reckless tactics. How is this making anyone safer? It’s not.
He added that despite all the funding, ICE officers’ actions are “sloppy, dangerous, and irresponsible,” and called for de-escalation training.
“ICE doesn’t need more money, and it certainly won’t be getting my vote,” he said.
