NAACP Launches National ‘DRY ICE’ Campaign Urging U.S. Senate to Block Federal Funding for ICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 27, 2026
Contact: Chyna Fields, [email protected]

MINNEAPOLIS - Today, the NAACP announced the launch of its DRY ICE campaign - an urgent national effort calling on the United States Senate to reject any budget measure that extends additional federal funding to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the wake of the violence, chaos, and fear unleashed by a weaponized enforcement apparatus.

"The NAACP is demanding that the United States Senate stop any effort to extend additional federal funding to ICE," said Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO. "Our communities have been forced to endure harm, chaos, and fear at the hands of a weaponized agency that too often operates without transparency or accountability. Congress must not bankroll terror in the name of enforcement."

The DRY ICE campaign launches with a clear, immediate objective: block ICE funding now. The campaign will mobilize supporters nationwide to contact their Senators ahead of the upcoming vote. The NAACP will activate our more than 2,200 units and branches, representing millions, to take immediate action. We will also join forces with other civil and human rights organizers, including No Kings and State of the People, to coordinate both in-person and digital rallies and protests across the nation.

In addition to demanding no additional federal funding for ICE in the current budget, the DRY ICE campaign will advocate for accountability measures - including prohibiting future ICE resources, federal immunity protections for ICE agents are withdrawn; Secretary Kristi Noem is removed from office; ICE agents are mandated to be unmasked; and federal and local law enforcement cooperation agreements that enable ICE operations are ended. We will also urge 2026 candidates to support and adopt these policies.

NAACP President Derrick Johnson will meet with congressional and Senate leaders to advocate for a block of funding for DHS.

The NAACP will continue to call out injustice wherever it arises and urges the Senate to vote against any budget that funds ICE. For more information on the NAACP DRY ICE campaign and to take action, visit our website.

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About NAACP

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund - also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.