Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement after voting no on the Homeland Security (DHS) Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) spending bill. The bill provides funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), passed the House 220-207, and now heads to the Senate for consideration.
“The Homeland Security funding bill does not create accountability for ICE’s reckless enforcement agenda that is brutalizing communities in Northwest Washington,” said Rep. Larsen. “I voted no and I am demanding that ICE follow the same rules as every other law enforcement agency, like obtaining judicial warrants for searches and wearing identification.”
Larsen Demands ICE Oversight and Accountability
Rep. Larsen supports strengthening accountability and oversight of ICE operations and DHS detention facilities, including:
- Prohibiting ICE officers from wearing masks during arrests;
- Requiring ICE officers to be trained in de-escalation;
- Prohibiting masked ICE officers from using restricted equipment, such as tear gas;
- Ending family and child detention;
- Ending DHS’s use of private detention facilities;
- Providing individuals in immigration detention with unlimited communication with legal counsel;
- Repealing the Alien Enemies Act, which President Trump has used to deport immigrants from Venezuela with no due process by accusing them of “invading” the United States; and
- A complete and independent investigation into the killing of Renee Good in Minneapolis.
Larsen Supports Funding for Disaster Relief and World Cup
Rep. Larsen supported other provisions of the DHS funding bill that provide significant funding for Northwest Washington priorities and important oversight provisions to ensure local communities receive the funds Congress has appropriated. The bill includes:
- $5.7 billion for FEMA, an increase of $873 million from FY25, including funding for SAFER Grants and Assistance to Firefighter Grants that help bring resources to emergency personnel and firefighters in WA-02.
- $13.52 billion to support the Coast Guard, an increase of $54 million from FY25.
- Significant oversight provisions to ensure that DHS Secretary Kristi Noem spends FEMA funding for disaster response and recovery.
- Directives that prevent FEMA from laying off substantial amounts of its workforce, closing or consolidating FEMA regional offices, or implementing elimination or reorganization plans without an act of Congress.
- New funding to prepare for a safe and secure 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- A 3.8 percent pay raise for air traffic controllers.
