Tell Democratic Leaders: Don’t Cave on ICE Accountability

As Congress races toward a February 13 funding deadline for the Department of Homeland Security, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer hold rare leverage to demand real accountability from Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The question is whether they will use it.

Across the country, outrage has erupted over aggressive and deadly federal immigration enforcement. Armed agents operating with masks, hidden identities, and little oversight have shattered public trust and terrorized communities. In response, Democratic leaders publicly laid out long-overdue reforms: banning masks that conceal agents’ identities, requiring warrants for home entries, mandating visible identification and body cameras, protecting schools and hospitals, and strengthening use-of-force rules.

Now, however, there are clear signs that Democratic leadership may be preparing to compromise. Reports indicate negotiators are considering broad exceptions and loopholes that would allow ICE to continue operating in the shadows. Watered-down language and vague carve-outs would render accountability meaningless.

We have seen this movie before. When Democrats cave under pressure, abuses continue — and communities pay the price. Every retreat sends a message that armed federal agencies can evade transparency without consequences.

Progressive lawmakers have already warned against repeating past mistakes. They are right. This is not the time for half-measures or symbolic reform. This is the moment to draw a line and defend the values Democrats claim to stand for: justice, accountability, and equal protection under the law.

We call on House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer to hold the line. Do not cave in closed-door negotiations. Do not trade away real reforms for political convenience. Condition DHS funding on enforceable ICE accountability — with no loopholes and no exceptions that swallow the rule.

Funding for DHS is leverage. Once it’s gone, so is the chance to force change. Sign our petition and demand Democratic leadership fight for transparency, accountability, and the basic rights every community deserves.