Rep. Sykes Opposes Republican Reconciliation Bill Expanding ICE Enforcement Without Reforms

Rep. Sykes Opposes Republican Reconciliation Bill Expanding ICE Enforcement Without Reforms

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) voted against S.2, the Secure America Act. The Republicans' roughly $70 billion reconciliation package that funds Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) without commonsense reforms.

During consideration of the legislation, Rep. Sykes offered an amendment to include provisions from her Creating Objective Oversight and Legal Interactions through Training (COOL IT) Act, legislation that modernizes immigration officer training through annual scenario-based instruction on de-escalation, officer safety, crisis response, and community relations. House Republicans rejected the amendment.

"The definition of insanity is trying the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. Once again, Republicans are increasing funding for immigration enforcement without addressing serious problems that put American civil liberties and public safety at risk," said Rep. Sykes. "ICE needs judicial warrants, body cameras, limits on excessive force, and greater transparency. These reforms should be non-negotiable. I support securing our borders and funding Homeland Security responsibly, but accountability and commonsense reforms must come first."

Rep. Sykes has consistently called for stronger oversight, transparency, and accountability in these agencies.

The bill passed the House and now heads to the president's desk for his signature.