FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 4, 2026

NETWORK Welcomes 2026 Funding of Critical Human Needs Programs; Urges Significant Reforms to ICE to Protect Human Life and Dignity

WASHINGTON, D.C.– In response to Congress passing a deal to end the partial government shutdown, fund critical government services, and reject additional FY2026 funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) without significant reforms to ICE and CBP, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice Executive Director Laurie Carafone issued the following statement:

“The strong bipartisan support in this package provides critical funding for programs that make our country stronger: two new innovative maternal and infant health programs; investments in community health services, medical research, substance abuse and mental health services; reforms that lower the cost of medicines for patients; housing programs to ensure the vulnerable can keep a roof over their head; workforce training; reintegration programs for returning citizens; and improved access to childcare and early childhood education. This work, led by three Catholic Members of Congress, Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), put into practice our universal call to work on behalf of the most vulnerable. Members of Congress rejected calls to cut funding for essential programs and instead listened to the people. We pray we are headed into a new day where our government is responsive to the needs of Americans and the common good.

“We urge that any budget legislation to further fund DHS does not move forward unless the abuses end and real change is enacted. The out-of-control agencies of ICE and CBP are endangering neighborhoods across the country. It is time for Congress to exert its co-equal responsibility as a branch of government and ensure DHS’s accountability to the people and the U.S. Constitution. Americans everywhere are demanding an end to the killings, violence, disappearances, and impunity. As DHS funding is debated in the coming days, NETWORK will continue to push for an end to using our tax dollars to fund these abuses against us, and to prioritize protecting human life and dignity.”

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