NY Dems Reverse ICE Funding Votes After Backlash

Reps. Suozzi and Gillen face criticism from left-wing activists for initially supporting Homeland Security bill

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Two Long Island Democratic representatives, Tom Suozzi and Laura Gillen, are facing intense backlash from left-wing critics after voting to fund the Department of Homeland Security, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), just days before the fatal police shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. Suozzi has apologized and Gillen has met with Latino activists, with both Democrats now seeking to distance themselves from their previous votes.

Why it matters

The reversal by Suozzi and Gillen highlights the growing divide within the Democratic party over immigration enforcement and the role of ICE. Their initial votes to fund Homeland Security programs, including ICE, have angered progressive activists who view the agency's tactics as "illegal and immoral." The backlash the representatives are facing underscores the political risks Democrats face in trying to balance competing interests on this issue.

The details

Suozzi and Gillen both voted for a $64 billion Homeland Security spending bill a day before the fatal police shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. After facing intense criticism from left-wing activists in their districts, Suozzi issued an extraordinary apology for failing to see the vote "as a referendum on the illegal and immoral conduct of ICE." Gillen, considered one of the most vulnerable Democratic incumbents, met with a group of Latino activists in her district office, which was described as an "uncomfortable meeting." Gillen did not publicly apologize but later signed onto a resolution to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

  • On January 23, 2026, Suozzi and Gillen voted for a $64 billion Homeland Security spending bill.
  • On January 24, 2026, Alex Pretti was fatally shot by police in Minneapolis.

The players

Tom Suozzi

A Democratic representative from Long Island, New York.

Laura Gillen

A Democratic representative from Long Island, New York, considered one of the most vulnerable Democratic incumbents in the country.

Tracey Edwards

A Long Island NAACP official who expressed outrage at the New York delegation members who backed the Homeland Security funding bill.

Luis Mendez

A former Nassau County government official who runs Empowering Young Professionals of Long Island and attended the meeting with Rep. Gillen.

Kristi Noem

The Secretary of Homeland Security, who Gillen signed a resolution to impeach.

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What they’re saying

“I am totally disappointed and outraged that the Long Island delegation funded — initially voted to fund — [the Department of Homeland Security] without addressing the very obvious concerns about ICE enforcement.”

— Tracey Edwards, Long Island NAACP official (The Post)

“I ended up playing the role of mediator between those who wanted to just completely negate her and those who said, 'Hey listen, you could be better than that.'”

— Luis Mendez, Former Nassau County government official (The Post)

“If the vote was held today they would probably vote differently.”

— Rep. Adriano Espaillat (The Post)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.