WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today voted to begin debate on critical reforms to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The Continuing Resolution avoids a multi-agency shutdown, and separates DHS funding for a future vote in two weeks:  

Senator Welch released the following statement: 

“The Department of Homeland Security, under the direction of Secretary Noem, is terrorizing communities. ICE’s actions in Minnesota are horrific and must stop: Two people in the state were killed this month—a young mother and an ICU nurse lawfully observing and protesting. People have been rounded up based on the color of their skin. ICE has raided schools, farms, and workplaces. Young children have been deported. The agency is out of control—Secretary Noem has turned DHS and ICE into a paramilitary force. The American people oppose these outrageous and lawless tactics, and I share their strong opposition. This reckless, cruel agenda of roving patrols, mass roundups and excessive force is dangerous. The violence and intimidation by ICE is a direct result of this administration’s cruel mass deportation policy. 

“In two weeks, Democrats in Congress will fight to enact reforms that stop ICE’s tactics and rein in DHS: ICE agents who violate civil rights must be held accountable; The Trump-Noem policy of mass roundups, roving patrols and racial profiling arrests must end; ICE must leave Minnesota; ICE must be held to the same standards as our local law enforcement; ICE agents must take off their masks and turn on their body cameras; And the $75 billion in funding Republicans’ gave ICE in the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ must be clawed back and redirected. These reforms are the bare minimum. I will continue to vote against any additional budget funding for ICE.” 

This legislation separates out five bipartisan bills—which will help Vermont by funding community hospitals, childcare, education, and transportation projects—isolating the Homeland Security funding bill for debate and floor consideration in two weeks. This will allow Senators to focus exclusively on stopping ICE’s rampant and continuous abuses. By passing the other five appropriations bills, this bill funds projects and initiatives important to Vermont—including support for small business impacted by the trade war, funds to help build affordable housing and improve home weatherization efforts, and continued support for substance abuse and prevention.  

Senate Democrats are requesting reforms to the isolated DHS bill, which will:  

• End ICE’s indiscriminate and unlawful mass targeting of communities: Citizens are entitled to the protection of a judicial warrant. ICE cannot go into homes without a warrant. ICE cannot interfere with local law enforcement.  
• Enforce accountability for ICE and Secretary Noem: ICE needs a uniform code of conduct, the same basic standards as law enforcement. America needs independent investigations, not ICE-led ‘investigations.’ Secretary Neom should resign or be impeached. 
• Require ICE agents take their masks off and turn body cameras on: Officers must have visible identification. The public deserves transparency. 

Senator Welch called on Secretary Noem to resign in July and reiterated his call for her ouster from the Senate Floor this week. 

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