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Deaths, Detentions, & Defunding DHS

In the span of weeks, federal immigration enforcement agencies have again demonstrated what immigrant and human rights groups have long warned about: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are operating with lethal force and no meaningful accountability, at the expense of human life.

Over the weekend, Border Patrol agents killed Alex Pretti, a U.S. citizen, in Minneapolis. His death followed the murder of Renee Good by ICE two weeks earlier and just days before Border Patrol shot another individual in southern Arizona, leaving them critically injured. Since September, federal immigration officers have shot at least 13 people as deportation operations escalated nationwide.

Alex Pretti was an observer, nurse, a union member, a caregiver, and a deeply loved member of his family and community. He dedicated his life to saving others. NNIRR stands in solidarity with Pretti’s family, the Minneapolis community, and all those impacted by ICE violence.

At the same time, ICE forcibly detained Liam Conejo Ramos, a five-year-old child, after agents apprehended his father outside their home in Minneapolis. Liam was taken from his driveway while still wearing his preschool backpack and flown more than 1,300 miles away to a family detention center in Dilley, Texas. He is now the fourth child from his school district to be taken by ICE in just two weeks.

Credit: Ana Raquel, https://www.byanaraquel.com/

Instagram: @kusi.art

The Violence Isn't New

These are not isolated incidents. They are not “mistakes.” And they are not new.

For decades, ICE and CBP have been responsible for deaths in custody, fatal shootings, family separations, racial profiling, and due process violations. Children, asylum seekers, longtime residents, and U.S. citizens alike have been harmed or killed by agents that face little oversight and even fewer consequences.

This violence did not begin with the current administration. Read more about the history of DHS volience at the border.

Democrats and Republicans alike have approved massive funding increases for DHS, despite evidence of abuse and deadly misconduct. In Trump’s second term , Congress appropriated roughly $170 billion for immigration enforcement, including billions for ICE alone—making it the most heavily funded policing agency in the U.S., and possibly the world.

This week, Congress faces a consequential choice. If appropriation bills are not passed by January 30, the federal government will shut down. Senate Democrats have stated they are willing to withhold support for the appropriation bill, to force negotiations on a separate DHS bill.

Leadership changes and condemnatory statements are not enough. Without sustained public pressure, politicians may once again choose to protect their political future over human rights by approving funds that will lead to more deaths, more family separations, and more children like Liam swept into detention.

Across the country, communities are resisting. Massive protests have erupted in Minnesota and across the country. Students, faith leaders, healthcare workers, unions, community activists and families are organizing vigils, shutdowns, and days of action. The message is clear: no agency should be allowed to kill with impunity, abduct children, or operate beyond the reach of the law. We must abolish ICE.

Take Action

Now, as Congress prepares to decide whether to continue funding DHS, ICE, and Border Patrol , it is all hands on deck to demand justice, safety, and systemic change.

Call Your Senators

Congress is deciding whether to approve more funding for DHS as part of the FY26 appropriations package.

Call your U.S. Senators at (202) 224-3121 to tell them:

Vote NO on any DHS funding bill that increases or maintains funding for ICE and CBP.

Call (202) 224-312

Show Up in Community

Join or organize a vigil, protest, or day of action in your area to honor Alex Pretti - and the 46 other people killed by enforcement agents over the past 13 months - demand the release of detained children like Liam Conejo Ramos, and call for an end to ICE & CBP enforcement. Community pressure saves lives and shifts narratives.

Support Minnesota’s Call for A Shutdown on Jan 30th

Find an Action in Your City

Use Your Voice

Share verified information, statements, and calls to action on social media and with your networks. Talk to coworkers, classmates, and neighbors. Public pressure works when it is visible, sustained, and collective.

NNIRR has gathered a list of national, state and local Immigration Hotlines.