Take Action

04/0126

Call/email Begich, Murkowski, Sullivan regarding DHS funding and reforms to ICE and CBP

The mission of Voices for Reason PAC is to stop America’s descent into authoritarianism. The fear, intimidation, and unconstitutional tactics being used by ICE and Customs and Border Protection are clearly authoritarian. The appropriations bill for DHS has not been passed and portions of the US Government are shut down until a bill passes. Democrats are saying they won’t pass the bill without substantial reforms on ICE and Customs and Border Protection. Update 3/20: Democrats are now saying they would be willing to separate ICE and CBP from the rest of the DHS appropriations bill, but will not vote to pass appropriations for ICE and CBP without reforms. So far, Republicans (the White House) have not been willing to consider separating ICE and CBP issues from the DHS bill. Update 3/27 from NYT:

“The Senate voted early Friday to fund the Department of Homeland Security except for its immigration enforcement and deportation operations, raising the prospect of an end to a weekslong partial shutdown that has strained federal workers and caused long waits at airports.

The measure does not include funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement or Border Patrol, nor does it contain provisions that Democrats had demanded for weeks to rein in President Trump’s immigration crackdown as a condition of funding the department.

After weeks of haggling over such restrictions and failed efforts by lawmakers in both parties to pass legislation that would reopen the Homeland Security Department, the measure was quietly approved before dawn in Washington by a voice vote. It came hours after Mr. Trump said he would go around Congress to pay Transportation Security Administration agents, who have worked without pay since funding for the department lapsed on Feb. 14.

The bill must still be considered by the House, which could vote on it as soon as Friday. It was unclear whether the measure would pass that chamber, where Speaker Mike Johnson holds a narrow Republican majority. A number of hard-right Republicans have criticized the Senate’s approach and oppose a funding bill that does not include new money for immigration enforcement, arguing that they should not give in to Democrats who have refused to provide any.”

Further Update 3/27: The house refused to agree with the Senate and passed a DHS appropriations bill without any reforms to ICE and CBP. This bill will be dead on arrival, so back to square one.

Contact our congressmen. Call and email them to request action on ICE abuses and urge them to oppose the funding bill until it includes substantive reforms.  Murkowski (202) 224-6665,Sullivan (202) 224-3004, Begich (202) 225-5765

Our delegation should hear that Alaskans want them to act to curb immigration enforcement abuses.  Begich, Murkowski, and Sullivan need to know they will be held accountable at the ballot box if they do nothing.  

If you want to add ideas to your message for reforming federal immigration enforcement, you could consider these:

·      No masks

·      Identification on agents and vehicles

·      No dragnet raids

·      Judicial Warrants necessary for home searches

·      Due process for anyone detained

·      Let local police handle crowd and protestor management and violations

Fear and repression will not solve our countries problems. Nor will silence.

Other Actions

Voices for Reason is exploring the best actions we can take to influence the future of our democracy. Coordinated actions in which all our supporters can participate. The more supporters, the better, so please join us and encourage your friends and family to do the same. JOIN US!

RALLIES Participate in Ketchikan rallies, protests and marches. Since President Trump was inaugurated, we have protested his administrations authoritarian actions during these Nationwide events: Hands Off April 5, Mayday for Democracy May 3, No Kings June 14, Good Trouble Lives On July19, Resist the Regime August 9, Workers Over Billionaires September 1, No Kings October 18. For the Love of Democracy, Feb 14. No Kings 3, March 28. No doubt there will be more. Protests provide:

• a backbone for legislators and judges who resist unlawful actions.

• an opportunity for ordinary people to be heard outside the ballot box.

• a means to demand accountability of elected and non-elected officials.

• way to let like-minded folks recognize they are not alone in their concerns.

REACH OUT Don’t give up on your neighbors, friends, and family who have been unworried about deepening authoritarianism and have voted accordingly. Respectful conversations and finding common ground with these folks is essential to change the country’s trajectory. Encourage them to get out of their political information bubble while you spend some time getting out of your own.

WRITE LETTERS-TO-THE-EDITOR See campaign information below.    

‘PLAY’ DEMOCRACY BINGO The bingo card below offers concrete ways individuals can make a meaningful difference now in preserving our democratic systems—no specialized knowledge is required, just your commitment to engagement. Small actions by many people will keep our democracy from slipping away.

SUPPORT PRO-DEMOCRACY ORGANIZATIONS Here are a few.

Public Citizen         Protect Democracy Common Cause