AFT President Weingarten Responds to Senate's Bipartisan Deal on ICE

Senate Reaches Deal on Immigration and Government Funding

WASHINGTON—In response to the Senate's bipartisan agreement aimed at preventing a government shutdown and addressing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reforms, AFT President Randi Weingarten expressed approval of the initiative.

"This is a positive step," Weingarten stated, acknowledging the Senate's decision to separate the Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill from other spending bills. This move is seen as crucial for maintaining essential services for Americans, preventing another shutdown, and allowing time for discussions on ICE reform.

Weingarten emphasized the urgent need for reform, citing incidents of violence and power abuse, particularly in Minnesota. She highlighted the necessity for an immigration system overhaul, urging lawmakers to ensure that any Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agency upholds basic human and constitutional rights and faces accountability for any violations.

She also expressed disappointment over the exclusion of Affordable Care Act tax credits from the package, which could help offset healthcare premium increases. However, the appropriations bills successfully counter some of the administration's proposed cuts to education, healthcare, and worker safety.

Education funding remains intact, with slight increases for students with disabilities and Title I schools serving low-income students. Additionally, the package removes significant hospital funding cuts affecting facilities that cater to vulnerable populations.

Weingarten stressed that unchanged immigration enforcement is untenable, asserting that the federal government should protect its citizens. The deaths of individuals like Alex Pretti and Renee Good, along with other unauthorized ICE activities, are causing community distress and hindering AFT members in their roles as educators, healthcare workers, and public service professionals.

"It is time for de-escalation, transparency and accountability. It’s time for ICE to leave Minnesota. It’s imperative, for the sake of public safety, for members of Congress to act now," Weingarten concluded.

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The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) represents 1.8 million professionals, including pre-K through 12th-grade teachers, school-related personnel, higher education faculty, government employees, nurses, healthcare workers, and early childhood educators.