Responding to Congress approving nearly $70 billion in additional funding for ICE and CBP, Amy Fischer, Director of Refugee and Migrant Rights at Amnesty International USA, said:
“Congress is shamefully fueling cruelty and human rights violations with an injection of nearly $70 billion taxpayer dollars.
“By approving billions in new funding for ICE and CBP despite ongoing reports of human rights violations and other abuses, lawmakers have shamefully rewarded agencies that have carried out militarized raids, unlawful arrests and detention, racial profiling, and other actions that have terrorized communities across the country.
“At a time when families are struggling with the rising costs of living and facing cuts to essential programs like food assistance and health care, in a tone-deaf vote, Congress has prioritized expanding a cruel and deeply harmful immigration enforcement system. Instead of supporting communities, the approval of nearly $70 billion for ICE and CBP doubles down on fear, violence and tearing families apart and gives a nod to the Trump administration that it is free to continue this disastrous and cruel system without facing accountability.
“More than 60,000 Amnesty International members and supporters urged Congress to reject this funding. We will continue fighting to end mass detention, abusive enforcement practices, and policies that separate families and undermine human rights.”
Contact: [email protected]