Alex Pretti was killed this past weekend by an out-of-control immigration enforcement apparatus. His death, along with that of Renee Good, and at least 53 other deaths in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) custody, was not inevitable. It was due to a violent system – one that has deserted accountability and abandoned respect for human life. Congress has allowed a paramilitary to balloon with an investment of $170 billion last year, with few guardrails.
As FCNL’s Bridget Moix put it, “In the Quaker tradition, we affirm that there is a divine spark in every person. To have that Light extinguished by agents of the state is a grave moral failure.”
Congress has a responsibility to stop this unchecked executive abuse. One practical way to do that is through restrictions on funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the home of ICE and CBP, with funds instead going toward enforceable accountability and oversight mechanisms.
Congressional leaders have just struck a deal which could avert a lengthy government shutdown and fund DHS for only two weeks. During that time, they will negotiate how to restrict the rogue institution’s rampages.
We need to make sure they listen to our moral call: “rein in federal immigration authorities with not another dollar for rogue operations that terrorize children, occupy neighborhoods, and carry out state violence.”
Email Congress today to call on your representative and senators to do the right thing.
This is a scary time in our nation. It is our moment to act with courage, rooted in our values and motivated by love for one another.
Just yesterday, the FCNL team supported over 250 faith leaders from across the country in meeting with Senate offices, calling for justice. Last night we also held a call with hundreds of advocates across the country (read more about it below) about how we can build power amidst the chaos of this moment.
We are holding those harmed by the violence of immigration enforcement in the Light. We honor the witness of the heroes standing up to state terror and nonviolently organizing for justice in their communities.
Elsewhere
Building Power Amidst Chaos
Last night, advocates from across the country gathered for a call on Building Power Amidst Chaos, to reflect on the moment and be inspired for future action.
Our call featured powerful messages from former FCNL staffer and Minneapolis Quaker, Katie Breslin, and Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17). We also heard about opportunities to influence needed reforms and accountability for ICE and CBP, as well as ways to stop a new forever war against Venezuela. Finally, FCNL’s Lauren Brownlee encouraged us to take care of ourselves and our communities while engaging in this difficult and important work.
Trump Expands the Foreign Assistance Gag Rule
This past week, President Trump expanded the U.S. “Mexico City policy,” which restricts recipients of foreign aid from funding or mentioning abortion. The new policy would restrict organizations from engaging in DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) efforts, as well as promoting “gender ideology,” which is simply a pejorative way to talk about advocating for LGBTQ rights. However, many of those most in need of reproductive health assistance are marginalized communities that DEI efforts aim to reach.
Rep. Gregory Meeks (NY-5) laid out the implications of this: It offers organizations a “cruel ultimatum that could require abandoning their principles and the communities they serve.” The U.S. government should not police the speech of non-governmental organizations and charities.
Understanding the FY2026 Foreign Assistance Bill
On our blog, FCNL’s Priya Moran spelled out what is in the foreign assistance bill which Congress is about to pass – the ways it advances peacebuilding around the world and the ways it falls short. This bill reasserts congressional responsibility for the power of the purse and thus makes it more difficult for the Trump administration to force through damaging budget recissions.
As Priya puts it, “While not perfect, [the foreign assistance bill] funds important foreign assistance programs and pushes back against some of President Trump’s most severe proposed cuts.”
