The Native Organizers Alliance Action Fund is strongly criticizing Congress after lawmakers approved a $70 billion funding package that includes a significant increase in funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), arguing the measure prioritizes immigration enforcement over critical domestic needs.
The legislation has passed both chambers of Congress and is now headed to the president’s desk for signature.
In a statement released following the bill’s passage, Judith LeBlanc (Caddo), executive director of the Native Organizers Alliance Action Fund, said the funding package stands in stark contrast to repeated claims by members of Congress that there is insufficient money available for healthcare, housing, and veterans’ services.
“In the U.S. we are constantly told by members of Congress that there is simply no funding for healthcare, housing the homeless, and care for veterans who have served our country,” LeBlanc said. “But with passage of this bill, GOP members of Congress wrote what is essentially a blank check of funding for ICE.”
LeBlanc also criticized the agency’s record, alleging that ICE’s enforcement actions and detention practices have resulted in deaths and widespread human rights concerns. She said the organization has operated with “unchecked power” while detainees have reported unsanitary conditions, inadequate food, and limited access to medical care.
The Native Organizers Alliance Action Fund argued that expanding ICE’s budget poses risks to civil liberties and disproportionately threatens immigrant communities.
“People across the political spectrum oppose the unchecked power of ICE agents in our towns and cities,” LeBlanc said. “Yet, Congress chose to add billions to their already bloated budget. This is an affront to all of our rights and poses an extreme risk to everyone, especially our immigrant relatives.”
The organization also expressed concern that members of Congress have reportedly been denied access to certain detention facilities while attempting to conduct oversight.
Reaffirming its opposition to the legislation, the Native Organizers Alliance Action Fund pledged to continue working alongside partner organizations to educate communities about their legal rights during ICE encounters and to provide mutual aid and community support in areas targeted by immigration enforcement.
“Native Organizers Alliance Action Fund stands in firm opposition against the unconstitutional and violent acts carried out by ICE against people who are simply trying to live, work, and raise their families here in the United States,” LeBlanc said.
The statement concluded by emphasizing solidarity with broader social justice movements and drawing parallels to past Native-led activism in Minneapolis and at Standing Rock.
“This is a country for everyone, and we will not stand by as the rights of our neighbors, family members, and friends are violated and their safety put at risk,” LeBlanc said.
