Michigan Senators Elissa Slotkin and Gary Peters announced they will vote against the proposed Department of Homeland Security budget, which funds Immigration and Customs Enforcement, following a fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by U.S. Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis. Slotkin stated, "As all Americans can see with their own eyes, ICE and those under their command are not acting as responsible law enforcement agencies. They are recklessly inciting violence at the whims of the President. And they must be reined in before there is more killing," as reported by ClickOnDetroit.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer also opposed the bill, warning that without major reforms, Democrats will not support the Department of Homeland Security spending package. He criticized the current proposal, saying "the DHS bill is woefully inadequate to rein in the abuses of ICE," leaving the government at risk of a shutdown if consensus is not reached, according to Detroit Free Press.
Michigan officials are calling for changes in response to federal actions. Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield said, "What we are witnessing raises serious concerns about Americans' safety, rights and freedoms," and supports a full investigation and peaceful protests. Representative Rashida Tlaib suggested using the National Guard to protect civilians from federal agents. Senator Peters is asking for more oversight of immigration enforcement. With the DHS funding decision still pending, Michigan’s representatives stress the need to review law enforcement and immigration practices before the spending package deadline.
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