Entire Florida Democratic Congressional Delegation Votes “No” on expanded ICE Funding and Condemns Murders of Keith Porter, Jr., Alex Pretti, and Renée Good

Over the past few weeks, Americans have watched in horror as federal immigration agents have used deadly force against U.S. citizens. Keith Porter, Jr., a dad of two and paraprofessional working with special needs children, was gunned down in Los Angeles on New Year’s Eve. In Minneapolis, Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse with the VA who dedicated his life to caring for others, was shot and killed by federal agents in broad daylight. Days earlier, Renée Good, a young mother and community member, was killed while observing a federal immigration operation.

These were neighbors, caregivers, fellow Americans.

Today, the Florida Democratic Party issued the following statement about the ongoing occupation of Minneapolis and the work of ICE nationwide:

“Florida is a state built by immigrants, a state powered by working families, and a state that believes in freedom, dignity, and the rule of law. But today, we are seeing a federal government that is increasingly willing to use force, fear, and intimidation to get what it wants, even when that means putting American lives at risk,” said Florida Democratic Party Chair, Nikki Fried.

“Every single Democrat in Florida’s congressional delegation voted against the Homeland Security funding bill that would have expanded ICE’s power without accountability. Florida Democrats cannot—and will not—support giving more money, more authority, or less oversight to a federal agency that already operates with a dangerous level of impunity.

Florida’s Republican leaders have done nothing. They have no desire for accountability and no concern for the lives being lost. Republicans have stood silently by, or worse, defended these actions, while ICE is unleashed on communities across this country.

We refuse to accept this as our future. Now is the moment to remember our nation’s history and refuse to make the same dehumanizing mistakes. We will not be intimidated, we will not be silenced, and we will never stop fighting for the dignity and safety of our communities. This moment calls not for division, but for civility, respect, and a commitment to our shared values. 

This is a stark reminder of the consequences of poor leadership. Despite current events, we will never lose hope. We will continue to organize to remind people that they hold the power and we will work together to elect better leaders for a safer and more prosperous future.”