Elfreth Votes No on Funding ICE

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03) voted against an appropriations package, which included a two-week continuation of funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The legislation passed 217-214, ending the partial government shutdown.

"I have been clear that I will not support blank checks for DHS and ICE while it is being weaponized against our neighbors. It does not matter if that funding is for two weeks or two years. Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, we cannot continue to fund this agency that is actively trampling on due process and the civil rights of neighbors across this nation. Their terror and brutality are simply far too great, and we need Republican leadership to come to the table to ensure real accountability and reform," said Congresswoman Elfreth. "Representing 45,000 federal workers, a government shutdown is never something that I take lightly. I am deeply disappointed that Republicans combined critical funding for health services, housing, Head Start, and servicemember pay with funding for ICE. For our civil servants, servicemembers, and the many families who rely on government programs, we must stop lurching between government shutdowns and playing politics with their livelihoods."

Prior to the Senate adding DHS funding to this appropriations package, Elfreth voted against the appropriations bill for Homeland Security and voted in favor of the appropriations bills for Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies; Defense; Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies for fiscal year 2026. She has also been outspoken against the weaponization of ICE in Minneapolis and called for the impeachment of Secretary Noem.

Earlier this week, Elfreth shared an update on the partial government shutdown. Due to a 2019 law championed by the Maryland Congressional Delegation, all federal employees are required to receive backpay at the end of a shutdown.

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