call to action for FEBRuary 4, 2026
Background
The clock is ticking. Because Senate Democrats held firm, Congress has now passed a bill that keeps funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in place for just two weeks. The period from now until February 13 will be crucial in the fight to hold the DHS agencies ICE and Border Patrol accountable for their abusive activity in Minneapolis and other cities.
During this nine-day period, Democrats can use their leverage to pressure Republicans to agree to serious changes in ICE.
Unfortunately, ICE and Border Patrol were fully funded in last year’s Big Ugly Bill. But Democrats can still demand meaningful reforms in how those rogue agencies operate. A minimum acceptable list of reforms includes the following:
- an end to racial profiling in immigration enforcement
- an end to family detention
- an end to enforcement in schools, churches, and other sensitive locations
- an end to arrests without a proper judicial warrant
- an end to the use of face masks by federal agents
Furthermore, Democrats should reject any bill that adds even a dime to ICE’s already bloated budget.
It’s time again to make our voices heard. Right now, the main action is in the Senate, and Democrats there have significant leverage. Let’s tell our senators to hold the line and urge them to pressure Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to keep the Democratic caucus united in its demand for specific, real limits on ICE and Border Patrol activity.
Call Your U.S. Senators
Alex Padilla | 202-224-3553 (D.C.) or 415-981-9369 (local)
Adam Schiff | 202-224-3841 (D.C.) or 415-393-0707 (local)
Sample Script
Hi, I'm a constituent from [your zip code]. My name is [your full name].
I’m calling to urge Senator [Padilla or Schiff] to refuse to vote for any DHS appropriations bill that fails to rein in ICE.
We can’t wait around while ICE harms more people. Senator [NAME] must push for an appropriations bill that puts serious restrictions on ICE and Border Patrol. That means ending racially motivated targeting, ending enforcement at sensitive locations, ending family detention, ending arrests without a judicial warrant, and ending the use of face masks. And it means drawing the line at adding even a penny to the already bloated budget for ICE and Border Patrol.
I also want the senator to work both publicly and privately to make sure that Democratic caucus leaders and members don’t cave to Republicans. Senate Democrats must unite behind a refusal to vote for any funding bill that doesn’t include this minimum set of limits on ICE brutality.
Thank you for your time and attention.