Pittsburgh Rally Calls for Senators to Oppose DHS Funding

Protesters urge McCormick and Fetterman to vote against additional $64 billion for Department of Homeland Security

Jan. 27, 2026 at 6:47pm

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Dozens of people gathered in downtown Pittsburgh on Tuesday to rally outside the federal building, calling on U.S. Senators Dave McCormick and John Fetterman to vote against additional funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The protesters believe the money could be better spent on healthcare, infrastructure, and other priorities instead of on what they see as overly aggressive federal agents.

Why it matters

The rally comes as the U.S. Senate prepares to vote on a bill that would provide an additional $64 billion for DHS, including $10 billion for ICE. Critics argue this funding would enable DHS and ICE to continue controversial tactics and practices that have harmed immigrant communities, while diverting resources away from other pressing needs.

The details

The rally was hosted by Indivisible Pittsburgh and other local groups like Casa San José, which serves the city's Latino immigrants. Speakers at the event, including Casa San José Executive Director Monica Ruiz and U.S. Army veteran Angela Montalvo, called on the senators to listen to their concerns and vote against the DHS funding increase. Pittsburgh City Council also unanimously passed a resolution asking the senators to reject the additional funding.

  • The rally took place on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 in downtown Pittsburgh.
  • Congress has to vote by Friday, January 31, 2026 before funding for certain departments, including DHS, expires at midnight on Saturday, February 1, 2026.

The players

Dave McCormick

Republican U.S. Senator for Pennsylvania.

John Fetterman

Democratic U.S. Senator for Pennsylvania.

Indivisible Pittsburgh

A local activist group that organized the rally.

Casa San José

A community organization that serves Latino immigrants in Pittsburgh.

Monica Ruiz

Executive Director of Casa San José.

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What they’re saying

“You're not protecting us. You're killing us. People are dying. There's no dollar sign on that, or no amount of inconvenience of shutting down the government to get this done right.”

— Monica Ruiz, Executive Director, Casa San José (cbsnews.com)

“We could fund health care in America, we could fund roads, we could fund infrastructure. Or we can fund ICE.”

— Tracy Baton, Director, Indivisible Pittsburgh (cbsnews.com)

“Those of us who serve did not serve so that a rogue federal agent could wage war on American streets, but that's what we're seeing.”

— Angela Montalvo, Organizer, Common Defense (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

Congress has to vote by Friday, January 31, 2026 before funding for certain departments, including DHS, expires at midnight on Saturday, February 1, 2026.

The takeaway

This rally highlights the growing tensions over the role and funding of federal immigration enforcement agencies like DHS and ICE, with critics arguing the money could be better spent on community needs. The outcome of the Senate vote will have significant implications for the future of these agencies and their practices.