March 6, 2026 - Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva released the following statement after voting against a bill that would continue funding for the Department of Homeland Security without making any reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). 

Related: Representative Adelita S. Grijalva on Death of Asylum Seeker at Florence Detention Facility in Arizona Says, “A Toothache Should Not be a Death Sentence”

Before the vote, Rep. Grijalva submitted two amendments which would strengthen civil liberties and ensure federal respect for tribal governance in immigration enforcement. Both amendments were not incorporated into the final bill that passed the House.  

• Her first amendment would prevent funds from being used to create or maintain lists or databases of individuals engaging in activities protected by the First Amendment, including advocacy or peaceful protest related to federal immigration enforcement. This is in response to reports that ICE has tracked and intimidated immigration raid observers. 

• Her second amendment would require federal agencies to consult with tribal governments before carrying out immigration enforcement actions on tribal lands, prohibiting the use of funds for such actions without prior consultation. This is in response to the increased targeting of Native people in immigration enforcement operations, and as some Tribal Nations have imposed bans on ICE from operating on their land.  

“Trump cannot be allowed to weaponize ICE as his personal militia to suppress dissent and trample on our rights,” said Rep. Grijalva. “It is the height of hypocrisy that Indigenous people are being asked to prove their citizenship on lands that were stolen from their ancestors.”  

“This DHS funding bill maintains the status quo and does nothing to rein in ICE – which is rotten to the core and must be completely dismantled. It’s time for Republicans to step up to the plate and act on needed reforms to stop the horrific abuses of power.” 

Source: Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva