call to action for February 11, 2026
Background
Funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) runs out this Friday, February 13, and negotiations in Congress remain stalled over Democratic demands for serious ICE and Border Patrol reforms. Republicans thus far have rejected those demands as “nonstarters,” raising the prospect of a DHS shutdown. Because of Senate rules, Democrats can stop any bill that doesn’t include real reform. And in doing so, they can force Republicans to defend ongoing ICE and Border abuses. But Democrats also face the temptation to kick the can down the road by supporting another continuation of current funding.
ICE and Border Patrol already have exorbitant funding, thanks to last year’s Big Ugly Bill. But Democrats are demanding a series of critical 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 can and should reject any DHS funding bill that adds even a dime to ICE’s already bloated budget.
We need to keep calling so that our senators will keep fighting. Senate staffers log each call, and that running tally shapes how senators assess the views of their constituents. Let’s show our senators that we want them to hold the line on this issue—and to make sure that other Senate Democrats stay in the fight as well.
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 and Border Patrol. Just as important, he should refuse to kick the can down the road by supporting another extension of DHS funding. I want the senator to stand firm, even at the risk of another government shutdown.
The ICE and Border Patrol abuses must end, and Senate Democrats have leverage to stop continued funding of the department that oversees these agencies. Make Republicans defend those abuses! Senator [Padilla or Schiff] must insist on a DHS funding bill that puts serious restrictions on 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 a minimum set of limits on ICE and Border Patrol brutality.
Thank you for your time and attention.