No blank check to ICE!
On Wednesday, January 7, Renee Good was killed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in our city, and a week later another resident was shot in the leg. This was a direct result of unchecked violence, impunity, and abuse carried out by federal immigration enforcement agencies against members of our communities.
Tens of thousands of Twin Cities residents have stepped up to this attack on our cities by protesting, guarding schools, delivering meals, and in countless other ways. But we can do more. We can demand that Congress use the tools they have to end this lawless violence, and withhold their votes from any bill that would increase ICE's already massive budget.
We can demand that Members of Congress oppose any appropriations bill that includes increased funding for ICE or Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), and refuse to vote for any funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) unless it includes limits on their actions.
Call to Action (what specific action are we taking):
We are calling our Senators Klobuchar and Smith and our Minnesota representatives in the US House to withhold votes on any bill that increases ICE’s and CBP’s budget, and demand that any appropriations bill for DHS limits their actions by:
· Prohibiting ICE from carrying guns
· Preventing ICE or CBP from targeting people based on their race, language, or accent
· Stipulating that agents who harm civilians are liable under criminal and civil laws
· Limiting DHS's reprogramming and transfer authority, including specifically preventing reprogramming and transferring funds for detention
Ask our federal representatives not to vote for any bill that does not include these demands.
Contact Info:
1. U.S. Senator Tina Smith:
DC Office Phone: (202) 224-5641
MN Office Phone: (651) 221-1016
Email form:
https://www.smith.senate.gov/share-your-opinion/
2. U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar:
DC Office Phone: ( 202) 224-3244
DC Office Fax: (202) 228-2186
MN Office Phone: (612) 727-5220
Email form:
https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/email-amy
Your Federal House Representative
Find your US House of Representative here: Who Represents Me?
Or use democracy.io to send an email to all three at the same time.
Sample Script (voice or email):
I am a constituent from (your address) [Optional: and a member of Indivisible Twin Cities].
Do not vote for any bill that increases ICE’s or CBP’s budget. Any appropriations bill for DHS must:
· Prohibit ICE from carrying guns
· Prevent ICE or CBP from targeting people based on their race, language, or accent
· Stipulate that agents who harm civilians are liable under criminal and civil laws
· Limit DHS's reprogramming and transfer authority, including specifically preventing reprogramming and transferring funds for detention
Resources:
Robert Reich: America’s Gestapo
The Guardian: Congressional progressives vow to block DHS funding without reforms