Larson to Oppose Homeland Security Funding Bill that Fails to Rein in ICE

Washington, D.C. - Ahead of a House vote later this week, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) announced his opposition to the Department of Homeland Security funding bill that provides new funding for ICE but does not include reforms to hold the agency accountable for their abuses of power.

"Donald Trump and Kristi Noem have transformed ICE into their own secret police force, accountable to no one," said Larson. "They have sent armed, masked agents to snatch mothers from their children here in Connecticut, overseen the tear gassing of kids in Chicago, and even defended the execution of an American citizen in Minneapolis - baselessly castigating Renee Nicole Good as a 'domestic terrorist.' While Democrats fought for reforms in funding negotiations, the bill House leadership released today does not even come close to the accountability this moment demands, including unmasking agents, requiring warrants, and use of force requirements. Congress cannot in good conscience vote to authorize more funding for the culture of lawlessness that has taken hold at ICE. I will vote NO on funding for the Department of Homeland Security when it comes up for a vote this week."

Earlier this month, after an ICE agent executed an American citizen, Renee Nicole Good, earlier this month, and a federal vehicle struck a protesterin Hartford, Larson and Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) filed articles of impeachmentagainst U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. He has also vowed to introduce legislation to stop ICE from operating in communities without notifying state and local law enforcement, and is a cosponsor of the following reforms:

• No Secret Police Act to require ICE agents to identify themselves, and bar them from wearing masks,

• Protecting Sensitive Locations Act to prohibit ICE raids in schools, hospitals, courthouses, places of worship, and social service agencies,

• DHS Use of Force Oversight Act to require agents to use only the force required during an arrest, and ban abusive tactics including chokeholds,

• Healthcare Reinvestment Actand Make Housing Affordable and Defend Democracy Actto redirect ICE funding from the Republican budget to lower health care premiums and expand affordable housing,

• and the Home Together Act to prohibit housing agencies from sharing data with ICE, including home addresses, race, and ethnicity.