Don Davis replied very quickly to my letter. Unfortunately, it’s about what I expected: “I didn’t mean it as support for the policies...” even though his vote funds the policies.
I stand by what I wrote in the letter to him: “Your vote for this clearly communicates that the violence and death detailed above is negotiable.”
His full reply:
“The Trump administration must take immediate and decisive action to put an end to the violence and disorder caused by masked ICE and federal agents who have torn through communities, taken lives, and shattered public trust. It is absolutely heartbreaking, infuriating, and utterly unacceptable to see another family left grieving after a tragic encounter with federal agents. My deepest condolences go to those affected by this devastating event in Minneapolis; yet, condolences alone will not suffice.
People across America are demanding accountability, transparency, and a humane approach to enforcement that respects the dignity and rights of all individuals. An independent, comprehensive investigation into this fatal shooting is essential to uncover the whole truth and ensure accountability. We must not stand by and allow a cover-up.
I want to be clear about my vote on H.R. 7147, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026. My support for this measure was driven by FEMA and disaster relief funds for North Carolina communities and others across the nation in need, as well as by support for our U.S. Coast Guard. The vote was never an endorsement of ICE’s conduct. It was never in support of ICE's brutality or the excesses of the Department of Homeland Security.
It has been made painfully clear now more than ever that ICE and other federal immigration enforcement agents must adhere to the standards we expect of traditional law enforcement agencies. We must not allow poorly trained, improperly directed, and heavily armed federal agents to operate with impunity on our streets. Secretary Kristi Noem, who has so far refused to take meaningful action to rein them in, must be held responsible.
— email reply from Don Davis, 2026-01-26
