National Outrage Over ICE Killing Fuels Push for Congressional Action
The fatal shooting of Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Minneapolis has ignited widespread public anger across Minnesota and the United States. This incident has intensified scrutiny of ICE's operational conduct and prompted a coordinated effort to demand legislative changes.
Social Media Campaign Urges Constituent Calls to Congress
A viral social media initiative led by Ben Sheehan, host of PBS's Civics Made Easy, is guiding citizens toward concrete political action. Sheehan's posts encourage followers to contact their state senators before a crucial January 30 deadline to demand restrictions on ICE's funding and authority.
The Critical January 30 Funding Deadline Explained
Congress faces a pressing deadline to pass a new budget for the Department of Homeland Security, the parent agency of ICE. Brian Derrick, co-founder and CEO of the political donation app Oath, clarifies the process.
"Every year, Congress must pass a new budget through approximately twelve appropriations bills that fund different government sectors," Derrick explained. "These bills, negotiated between the House and Senate, set funding levels for agencies including ICE."
The current funding originates from a continuing resolution—a temporary measure enacted after last fall's government shutdown. This stop-gap funding maintains previous budget levels and expires on January 30.
"If Congress fails to pass a full-year budget by this deadline, another government shutdown will occur," Derrick warned.
Why Your Voice Matters Now
Policy experts emphasize that the upcoming weeks represent a vital window for public influence. Nithya Nathan-Pineau, a policy attorney at the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, stated, "This window is really crucial for people to be reaching out. While they're negotiating, it's important for them to hear what their constituents care about regarding DHS funding."
How to Effectively Contact Your Representatives
Heidi Altman, Vice President of Policy at the National Immigration Law Center, advises that calls to Congress need not be overly technical.
"It really doesn't have to be a nuanced statement. You can simply share how you are feeling and what you want them to keep in mind," Altman said. Suggested messaging includes: "I'm really angry and scared about what ICE is doing in my neighborhood, and I want you to stop giving them money."
When calling, provide your name, phone number, and zip code. Constituents can use the official congressional directory to identify their representatives.
A Bipartisan Issue Requiring Widespread Engagement
Advocates stress that contacting elected officials is essential regardless of political geography. "DHS funding is a bipartisan issue that has increased annually because both parties have voted for it," Nathan-Pineau noted.
Derrick added, "Letting Republicans know that the average American is concerned about due process and privacy is important to pressure them against greenlighting more abuses of power."
Altman reinforced that all members of Congress, Democrats and Republicans alike, must hear constituent perspectives to spur bipartisan action.
The Realistic Impact of Funding Changes
While altering ICE's budget may not immediately halt operations, it sends a powerful political message. Senator Patty Murray of Washington, the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, highlighted that ICE possesses a significant reserve fund, allowing continued function even with budget changes.
"Even if Congress were to zero out DHS's budget, they still have more money than they even know what to do with," Nathan-Pineau concurred.
Derrick explained the symbolic importance: "It would send a strong message that the country is no longer on board... and show a clear distinction between the parties on immigration enforcement."
Why Action Remains Imperative
Despite the challenges, advocates urge persistent engagement. "One of the most important things we can do is pick up the phone... and make sure our members of Congress understand how clearly we see what ICE is doing," Altman emphasized.
Congressional staffers systematically record constituent positions, compiling reports for elected officials. "It is so critical what that record says at the end of every day," Altman noted. A surge of calls demonstrating disapproval can significantly influence future legislative decisions.
With the January 30 deadline approaching and votes imminent, Altman's final counsel is clear: "Now is the time to call."
