John,

In response to the murder of Veterans Affairs nurse Alex Pretti by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) last Saturday, we want to begin with words from our CEO that capture why this moment matters:

“Democracy depends on limits to state power, accountability for those who use force, and the protection of First Amendment rights. When federal actors are perceived to be operating with immunity, trust collapses — and every community becomes less safe.”

That is exactly what is at stake right now — our safety and our democracy.

What YOU can do to fight back:

On January 30, Congress must vote on the federal budget appropriations bill. To pass it, Senate Republicans — who hold a narrow 53–47 majority — need Democratic votes to overcome a filibuster. Without Democratic support, the bill cannot move forward.

Tell Your Senators:
NO FUNDING for ICE
without Accountability

That gives Senate Democrats and the American people an opportunity. In the wake of the murders of Mr. Pretti and Ms. Good in Minneapolis, public outrage has surged across the country. Protests are spreading. Trust has collapsed. And that public fury has converged with a unified Democratic caucus finally willing to say: enough!

Late Sunday, the entire Senate Democratic Caucus agreed to block $64.4 billion in Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding, including $10 billion for ICE, unless strict, enforceable limits are imposed. Democratic leaders have made clear they will not provide the votes needed to advance the appropriations bill if DHS funding is included.

The reforms Democrats are demanding include:

• An independent federal–state investigation into ICE killings and tactics
• A ban on ICE face masks
• A ban on roving ICE patrols
• An end to so-called “administrative warrants” that attempt to bypass judges and violate the Fourth Amendment
• An end to arrest quotas

And even though no Republicans have pledged to vote against DHS funding, a growing number each day are publicly condemning ICE’s actions and demanding accountability. That means we need to keep up the pressure!

The Senate has just THREE days — until January 30 — to act.
This is the window. This is the leverage. And this is how ICE’s culture of impunity can finally be confronted and undone.

Take action now: sign the petition to withhold $64B in funding from DHS! 

Sign the Petition

If your senator is a Democrat: Sign the petition and in the comment section, tell them you support their refusal to fund DHS/ICE without binding reforms — and urge them to hold the line until meaningful accountability measures are enacted.

If your senator is a Republican: Sign the petition and in the comment section, tell them to remove funding for DHS/ICE in the appropriations budget and that you demand independent investigations and accountability reforms before any funding can proceed.

Sign the petition and contact your senators now — before the January 30 deadline: 

Take Action NOW!

This is not about party politics. It’s about whether Congress will side with the American people — or continue funding an agency that operates beyond the reach of the law.

In solidarity,
— Dream.Org

P.S. If you’re feeling grief, anger, or exhaustion, you’re not alone. Take care of yourself — and remember: collective action is how we protect democracy and each other.