Public Outrage Over ICE Violence Sparks Call to Action on DHS Funding Deadline
The killing of Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Minneapolis has ignited widespread outrage across Minnesota and the United States. This tragic incident has brought renewed attention to what many describe as violent and deadly behavior by federal immigration enforcement agents.
A Viral Campaign for Change
In response, a now-viral social media post by Ben Sheehan, host of PBS's Civics Made Easy, is mobilizing citizens to take a simple yet potentially powerful action. Sheehan is encouraging his followers to call their two state senators and demand changes to ICE funding before a critical January 30 deadline.
This push underscores a fundamental truth: immigration policies are deeply personal, affecting real people and communities. The campaign aims to translate public anger into political pressure on elected officials to speak out against ICE and work to curtail its authority.
The January 30 Funding Deadline Explained
At the heart of this call to action is the congressional budget process. Congress must pass a new budget to fund the Department of Homeland Security, of which ICE is a part, by January 30.
"Every year, Congress has to pass a new budget that will fund the government for the following year," explained Brian Derrick, co-founder and CEO of the political donation app Oath. "It typically takes the form of 12 different appropriations bills that fund different pieces of the government."
Derrick detailed that these bills, negotiated between the House and Senate, set funding levels for various agencies and programs, including ICE. The failure to pass these bills last fall led to a government shutdown, which was temporarily resolved by a continuing resolution—a stop-gap measure maintaining previous funding levels.
That resolution expires on January 30. "So now, they're trying to pass the full-year budget before that deadline, or there will be another shutdown," Derrick stated. The DHS appropriations bill has passed the House and is expected to go to the Senate for a vote soon.
A Crucial Window for Constituent Pressure
Advocates emphasize that this period is a critical window for public influence. "We've got ... till the end of the month, and so this window is really crucial for people to be reaching out," said Nithya Nathan-Pineau, a policy attorney at the Immigrant Legal Resource Center.
"And while they're negotiating and they're paying attention to this issue, it's really important for them to hear what their constituents care about in terms of DHS funding," she added.
How to Make Your Voice Heard
For those wishing to participate, the process is designed to be accessible. You can find your senators using the official directory on Congress.gov. When calling, it's important to provide your name, phone number, and zip code.
"In terms of making that first call to your member of Congress, it really doesn't have to be a nuanced statement," advised Heidi Altman, vice president of policy at the National Immigration Law Center. "You can call your member of Congress and simply share how you are feeling and what you want them to keep in mind."
Altman suggested a straightforward message: "I'm really angry and scared about what ICE is doing in my neighborhood, and I want you to stop giving them money."
Brian Derrick added that constituents who normally donate to campaigns might consider linking their support to constitutional values. "I don't think that it's a bad idea to let them know that your support relies on them supporting the basic values of the Constitution... for basic liberties for everyone, for due process and for a right to privacy."
A Bipartisan Issue Requiring Widespread Engagement
This effort is relevant regardless of political geography. "Whether you live in a red state or a blue state, it's important to call your elected officials to voice your thoughts on ICE," advocates stress.
Nathan-Pineau noted that "DHS funding ... is a bipartisan issue, and it's something that has increased year after year after year in appropriations, because both Democrats and Republicans have voted for it."
Derrick explained the importance of pressuring Republicans specifically: "Letting them know that they have lost the middle and that the average American is concerned about their right to due process and to privacy... is an important effort to ensure that Republicans have maximum pressure to not greenlight more abuses of power."
Altman emphasized that all members of Congress need to hear from constituents to spur action from both parties.
The Limits and Power of the Funding Bill
It's important to understand what this appropriations bill can and cannot achieve. The bill would not immediately halt ICE operations. Due to previous allocations, ICE currently has significant reserves.
"Even if Congress were to zero out DHS's budget, they still have more money than they even know what to do with and could continue to function at their current level," said Nathan-Pineau, referring to billions allocated in 2025.
Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.), top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, previously told HuffPost: "ICE must be reined in, and unfortunately neither a continuing resolution nor a shutdown would do anything to restrain it, because, thanks to Republicans, ICE is now sitting on a massive slush fund."
However, the symbolic and political impact of the funding vote remains substantial. Derrick argued it would "send a really strong message that the country is no longer on board with what the president is doing" and show a clear distinction between the parties on immigration enforcement.
Why Your Call Matters
Despite the limitations, advocates urge persistent engagement. "One of the most important things we can do right now is pick up the phone or send an email," Altman said. "Make sure our members of Congress understand how much and how clearly we see what ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection are doing in our communities, and how deeply we want our members of Congress to take action, to rein them in and to withhold funds."
Congressional staffers track constituent positions. "It is so critical what that record says at the end of every day," Altman explained. If an official sees that tens of thousands of people from their state are calling to disapprove of ICE, it can influence future decisions.
With the January 30 deadline approaching and Senate votes imminent, the message from advocates is clear: Now is the time to call.
