DHS appropriations bill: Make Them Hear You

Make Them Hear You is a weekly commentary segment by Chris Mohr encouraging you to make your voice heard by your legislators.

Congress is considering the appropriations bill for the Department of Homeland Security, whose funding runs out this Sunday. There is a move in Congress to vote down the bill unless it’s amended to prohibit Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents from carrying guns, and that it unambiguously declares that agents do not have absolute immunity if they wound, kill or otherwise harm civilians.

Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the senior Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, is “looking for policy riders in the Homeland Security bill to [be] able to rein in ICE.” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Democrats will oppose the bill unless Republicans amend it with new rules governing ICE officers, saying “ICE cannot conduct itself as if it’s above the law.”

If you have thoughts on the three-pronged amendment to the DHS spending bill: not to vote for it unless it disarms ICE agents, prevents them from targeting people based on their race, language, or accent, and stipulates that agents who harm civilians are liable under criminal and civil laws, contact your legislators and Make Them Hear You.

Find your state legislators in Colorado

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Contact Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado

Contact Senator John Hickenlooper of Colorado

Make Them Hear You airs every Wednesday on the Morning Magazine, KGNU’s weekday morning show with coverage of local and regional public affairs and news with headlines and commentary. Click here to listen to full episodes of the Morning Magazine.