Adelita Grijalva Moves to Block DHS Funds From Targeting Protesters, Tribal Lands

Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ) has introduced two amendments to a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding bill, aiming to safeguard free speech and uphold tribal sovereignty. The House is expected to vote on the DHS budget later today.

“Ahead of today's vote on DHS funding, I'm introducing 2 amendments to prevent DHS from trampling on free speech and violating tribal sovereignty,” Rep. Grijalva posted on X.

Her first amendment would block the federal government from using DHS funds to create or maintain lists of individuals engaged in activities protected by the First Amendment, such as freedom of speech and right to peaceful protest.

Grijalva said the measure responds to reports that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has monitored activists and observers at immigration raids. Under her proposal, the agency could not track or document people simply for exercising constitutional rights.

Her second amendment focuses on tribal sovereignty. It would prohibit DHS from conducting immigration enforcement actions on tribal lands without first consulting the tribes that govern them. Tribal nations and advocates have criticized federal raids and surveillance activities on their land, with some tribes barring ICE from entering altogether.

Grijalva’s measure would ensure that federal agencies respect those decisions before carrying out enforcement operations.

Funding Debate Continues

The amendments come as Congress continues debating funding for DHS, which has been without appropriations for nearly three weeks. House Republican leaders, including Conference Chair Lisa McClain (R-MI), plan to address reporters Thursday afternoon as negotiations continue.

Lawmakers are also preparing to vote on a separate resolution under the War Powers Act to limit further U.S. military actions in Iran without congressional approval, even after a similar resolution failed on Wednesday.

This effort continues as the DHS funding debate has gained urgency following last week’s joint strike by U.S. and Israeli forces on Iran, adding new political pressure as both parties seek agreement on immigration and national security priorities.

However, for Democrats and Grijalva, there is no pushback as she argues, “Trump cannot be allowed to weaponize ICE as his personal militia.”