Rep. Sykes Votes Against Funding Bill That Fails to Include ICE and CBP Accountability Reforms
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) voted against H.R. 9770, a continuing resolution that would extend government funding through December 4, 2026, while continuing operations at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) without additional safeguards or accountability measures.
While the bill would continue funding essential federal programs that Ohio families rely on, Rep. Sykes opposed continuing the status quo for immigration enforcement agencies that have lacked the transparency and oversight necessary to protect communities and uphold civil liberties.
“Republicans continue to ask the American people to accept the unacceptable,” said Rep. Sykes. “After ICE killed two more people earlier this month, Congress should not simply move forward as if nothing happened. Commonsense reforms such as judicial warrants, body cameras, limits on excessive force, and real oversight should not be controversial. They should be the bare minimum. Republicans need to get serious and meet the American people where they actually are.”
Last week, Rep. Sykes joined nearly 200 House Democrats in calling for independent investigations into the deadly ICE shootings of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Johan Sebastian Guerrero. The Members called for a full and transparent review of the circumstances surrounding the deaths and urged the Department of Homeland Security to halt removal proceedings against witnesses.
Rep. Sykes has also introduced the Critical Operation Oversight of Law Enforcement Intervention and Training (COOL IT) Act, legislation to modernize immigration officer training through annual scenario-based instruction focused on de-escalation, officer safety, crisis intervention, and community relations.
The bill passed the House and now moves to the Senate for consideration.