Congresswoman Budzinski Condemns ICE Abuses and Rejects GOP-Backed Farm Bill

Central Illinois Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (D-13) is making it clear she stands against abuses by federal immigration authorities and the harmful policies baked into the latest farm bill. Speaking at a roundtable in Champaign with local officials and advocates, Budzinski expressed outrage over ICE agents who have used violent tactics and violated constitutional rights during immigration enforcement.

“I think that if you’re breaking the law, no matter who you are, you’re not above the law,” Budzinski said. She echoed Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s call for local prosecutors to charge ICE officers responsible for these abuses. Budzinski also acknowledged the fear spreading in communities across Central and Southern Illinois, where rumors of ICE raids recently sparked panic—even though those turned out to be false alarms involving FBI and drug enforcement agents.

Urbana Mayor DeShawn Williams emphasized the need for unified communication to combat misinformation and ease community fears. Vrinda Agarwal, development director at The Immigration Project, described how widespread rumors have caused clients across 86 Illinois counties to panic, underscoring the real human impact of aggressive immigration enforcement tactics.

On the agricultural front, Budzinski took a stand against the farm bill passed by the U.S. House last week. She voted against it, criticizing the bill for failing to restore food assistance cuts imposed by Republicans last year and for slashing $1 billion from conservation programs. She also pointed out the bill’s omission of a provision to allow year-round sales of E-15 gasoline, a key issue for Illinois farmers.

The bill passed with minimal Democratic support and no backing from Illinois Democrats. Budzinski framed this as a clear signal that Democrats intend to negotiate a better farm bill when they regain control of Congress, one that truly supports families and growers.

The current farm bill, last reauthorized in 2018, remains stalled awaiting Senate action. Meanwhile, Budzinski’s comments highlight the ongoing battles over immigration enforcement abuses and agricultural policy that directly affect her constituents and communities nationwide.