22Apr
WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Democratic lawmakers signaled opposition to a Senate DHS funding bill after sustained pressure from veteran organizations and immigrant rights advocates calling for no additional funding for ICE. Veterans across our movement have urged lawmakers to reject further enforcement increases that undermine civil rights and democratic accountability. This is a victory for many who have opposed ICE funding.
In response, Common Defense Executive Director and US Army Veteran, Jose Vasquez released the following statement:
“We applaud lawmakers for stalling the funding bill. Veterans have been clear: no more money for ICE. We cannot keep pouring billions into an enforcement system that lacks accountability, undermines our democratic values, and terrorizes our communities. Veterans swore an oath to defend the Constitution, and we are demanding a different path. It appears Democrats are listening. Now they must follow through and block any additional funding for ICE while ensuring robust investigations into human rights abuses by DHS and ICE, with real accountability for those responsible.”
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Common Defense Civic Engagement (501c4) (CDCE) is a grassroots, veteran-led organization that was founded in 2016. We empower veterans to stand up for our communities against the rising tide of racism, hate, and violence, to organize against the entrenched powers that have rigged our economy, and to champion an equitable and representative democracy, where “liberty and justice” truly is for all. For too long, politicians from both political parties have attempted to use veterans as unwilling political props, and Common Defense serves as a home for veterans to organize and speak for themselves and support the candidates who truly share our values.