ACLU – February 24, 2026

Did you hear President Trump’s State of the Union address last night?

President Trump attacked and demonized our immigrant neighbors – and even had the audacity to demand Congress write a new blank check for ice and Border Patrol’s violent and lawless operations.

Fortunately, the people are holding ice and Border Patrol accountable – and we have to keep holding the line.

Thanks to our collective pressure, Congress has blocked legislation that would’ve continued funneling no-strings-attached money into these agencies. But President Trump is increasing pressure on lawmakers to fund these operations without any reform or accountability to protect our neighbors and us.

We’re calling on Congress to end the violence and to ensure that no more communities are endangered by reckless federal agencies. If you’re with us, tell your lawmaker to hold the line against any blank checks for ice and Border Patrol.

We’ve seen the impacts of this lawlessness: Citizens shot in the streets. Peaceful protesters pepper-sprayed. Houses raided without warrants. Families arrested and children taken from their homes. Abuse and racial profiling levied at anyone federal agents imagine to be an immigrant. Meanwhile, those in detention suffer inhumane conditions – with eight people already dying in ice custody just this year.

It’s been nothing short of horrifying. Families are living in fear of these out-of-control agencies, and it’s on Congress to protect us all.

Our legislators have listened to the massive public outcry and have so far refused to fund ice and Border Patrol without significant reform, but they must hold strong in the face of pressure from the executive branch and anti-immigrant members of Congress.

We’re counting on Congress to rein in ice and Border Patrol – to save lives, protect our families and neighbors, and defend our most fundamental civil rights. Urge Congress to hold the line: No blank checks for ice.

With thanks for all you do,

The ACLU Team

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American Civil Liberties Union
125 Broad Street, 18th Floor
New York, NY 10004, USA