Becca Balint Newsletter

honanpatrick
11 hours ago
2 min read

Dear Fellow Vermonter,

I sincerely hope this email finds you and your family well.

In the past few weeks, millions of Americans have watched the horrific and unjustifiable executions of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Jeffrey Pretti, two U.S. citizens, by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minneapolis. Like many of you, I am full of rage, disgust, and heartache.

For over a year, Americans have been sounding the alarm about ICE’s conduct and lack of accountability. The video evidence from witnesses is undeniable, and certainly much stronger than the Trump administration’s fascist lies. Renee, Alex, their families, and their community deserve full accountability, and we must reject these terrorizing tactics that have no place in America.

As your Representative and as the Vice Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, I want Vermonters to know that I am committed to doing everything in my power to make sure that the people responsible are brought to justice.

Here is what I have done so far to hold ICE accountable this month:

· I joined 70 of my colleagues in introducing Articles of Impeachment for Secretary Kristi Noem. She is leading a rogue agency and is actively lying about what has happened in both cases.

I voted against funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which includes ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

I traveled to Minneapolis to conduct on-the-ground oversight about the violence that ICE continues to perpetrate. I met with Governor Walz, Mayor Frey, advocates, lawyers, and community members to hear about the state of terror under ICE and how they are pushing back. You can watch my participation in the field hearing here.

While Minnesota is the center of our nation’s heartbreak, they are also the center of our nation’s courage. The brave Americans who testified before us put their lives in danger by showing up and speaking out. They did this not just for Minnesotans, but for all of us – because let's be clear, what is happening there can happen anywhere. Every one of us needs to dig deeper and match their energy.It will take us all doing our part to protect this democracy and our Constitution. I encourage you to continue courageously exercising your First Amendment rights: organize, speak out, and stand up for what is right. We must get the word out about what’s happening and defend truth and reality fiercely.

The challenges before us are serious, but remember that we each have the power to be a change maker. Check in with your loved ones, rest when you need it, and then channel your anger, frustration, and fear into meaningful action. Change starts with us, and every act of courage inspires others to act too.

Stay updated with my work at https://balint.house.gov. We will continue to fight for justice and accountability and will be in touch with updates as they become available. Don't lose heart.

As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office if you are ever in need of assistance.

In service,

Becca Balint

Member of Congress