Congressman Cohen Votes Against Funding for ICE

WASHINGTON - Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today voted against the annual appropriations bill for the Department of Homeland Security that contains funding for the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency.

As outlined by House Democratic leadership, Democrats have been pushing House Republicans to adopt strong guardrails and accountability measures, including a judicial warrant requirement, prohibition on the detention and deportation of American citizens, use of excessive force restriction, enhanced training, a body camera mandate and a mask ban. None were included in this funding bill.

The vote was 220 to 207.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

"I voted against funding a bloated and lawless ICE operation and have, in fact, called for the agency's abolition. What is happening in Minneapolis and Memphis and across the country by masked ICE agents is unacceptable. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said ICE was going to get 'the worst of the worst' - murderers, rapists, sex offenders and drug dealers - but in fact the majority of people are law-abiding and contribute to our community. Unfortunately, 'the worst of the worst' applies more to ICE agents who harass and brutalize people. I continue to call for ICE to leave Memphis, which does not have an immigration problem. This funding bill had the opportunity to address a litany of issues raised by me, my colleagues, and the American people, including agent training, but fell short due to House Republicans' refusal. ICE's lawlessness must be adequately and immediately addressed. Until then, I'll continue to be a no."

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