WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) took to the Floor to denounce Republicans' DHS funding bill that fails to protect American communities and instead advances the Trump administration's weaponization of ICE. Below is a transcript of her remarks:
"Today is not about ICE funding. Republicans already gave ICE $75 billion. Today is about the fact that we have a mass paramilitary force terrorizing our communities. Republicans had the opportunity in this bill to enact common sense checks on ICE operations. They refused.
"First, they refused to ensure ICE abides by the same laws and procedures as our local and state police. That they're unmasked when on duty. That they actually wear the body cameras. That they wear a nameplate identifying who they are. And that they are held responsible for excessive force.
"Second, the GOP refused to join us in upholding the Constitution. Not only are these arrests warrantless, ICE has now determined they have the right to search your home without a judicial warrant. That is illegal, and it is unconstitutional.
"Third, they refused to make sure that the use of deadly force is always thoroughly investigated.
"When Renee Good was shot to death, Kristi Noem declared her a domestic terrorist within hours. The only investigation Noem was interested in was an investigation into Renee Good's widow. That is not justice. That is not security for the American people.
"Fourth, Republicans refused to agree to the simple concept that American citizens should not be detained and deported. That people going about their business should not be kidnapped because of the color of their skin, or because they’re engaging in peaceful protest.
"Finally, Republicans refused to prioritize the very real work that DHS does in our communities: Stopping fentanyl trafficking. Stopping child trafficking. Stopping cartels.
"DHS is taking those investigators off of those cases and putting them on ICE raids. It is at the expense of our national security.
"When the GOP can't even agree to commonsense guardrails, it is clear this isn't about immigration. This isn't about security. This is about state-sanctioned terror. This is about the political retribution of a vengeful president.
"I will not rubberstamp the federal government's use of political violence against its own people. And I am asking every member to join me in voting no."
To watch the full speech, click HERE.
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