FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan 26, 2026
Contact: [email protected]
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – Today, former Congressman and Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams released the following statement calling on the Senate to block funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and to work with the House of Representatives on the new bill that includes serious reforms to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“Alex Pretti’s death at the hands of ICE agents in Minneapolis this weekend confirms what many of us have known for a long time: their presence does not make our cities or our country safer and their conduct demands immediate reform. Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, ICE’s actions are designed to stoke fear and chaos without any regard to human life.
“Senate Democrats made the right decision to announce they will block consideration of the DHS funding bill as written. Before a bill comes before the House of Representatives again, it must include meaningful reforms to ICE’s conduct, including their immediate removal from Minneapolis; mandate that ICE focus on real threats to public safety; clear training, vetting, and accountability standards; banning the use of masks and requiring body cameras; an end to warrantless arrests; and independent and transparent investigations into Alex Pretti and Renee Good’s deaths.
“Over a decade ago, I helped write the Utah Compact for Immigration Reform. Our values were simple and stand true to this day – we can balance compassion and the rule of law by supporting an immigration policy that protects families, allows law enforcement to focus on criminal activity, and strengthens our economy.”
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