Blank check for ICE puts people at risk
In the U.S. we are constantly told by members of Congress that there is simply no funding for healthcare, housing the homeless, and care for veterans who have served our country. But with passage of this bill, GOP members of Congress wrote what is essentially a blank check of funding for ICE, an organization whose reign of terror on U.S.cities has already led to the death of at least 50 people who lost their lives at the hands of ICE agents, and under their custody in inhumane detention centers.
People across the political spectrum oppose the unchecked power of ICE agents in our towns and cities. Yet Congress chose to add billions to their already bloated budget. This is an affront to all of our rights and poses an extreme risk to everyone, especially our immigrant relatives. As we saw in recent months, ICE agents have been allowed to act with unchecked power. Even members of Congress have been denied access to detention centers where detainees, many of whom have committed no crimes, are reporting filthy conditions, lack of food, and no access to medical care.
Native Organizers Alliance Action Fund (NOAAF) stands in firm opposition against the unconstitutional and violent acts carried out by ICE against people who are simply trying to live, work and raise their families here in the United States.
We will continue to work with our partners across the U.S. to help people understand their rights if confronted by ICE. We will also continue to support mutual aid and community care in locales targeted by ICE as needed. This is a country for everyone, and we will not stand by as the rights of our neighbors, family members, and friends are violated and their safety put at risk. Just as we did in Minneapolis, Mni Sóta Makoce earlier this year, and at Standing Rock years ago, Native peoples will stand in solidarity for social justice and the health and well-being of all of our neighbors.