The People’s Watchdog Newsletter - January 31

This week's Common Cause newsletter is just a 5 minute read at 750 words.

Saturday, January 31, 2026 👋 Hi Pamela! Happy Saturday. In the Watchdog Newsletter, we share what you need to know to hold power accountable from the nonpartisan source you can trust. This watchdog doesn't give in to pressure from presidents. This week's Common Cause newsletter is just a 5 minute read at 750 words. 🔥 Fire Kristi Noem. Hold DHS Accountable. Across the country, Donald Trump and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem have turned ICE into their personal police force, unleashing violence on our communities with devastating consequences. Under Noem's leadership, DHS has eroded due process, terrorized immigrant and citizen communities alike, and overseen ICE agents shooting and killing Americans in broad daylight. In Minnesota, two U.S. citizens — Renée Nicole Good, a 37-year-old poet, wife, and mother of three, and Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse — were killed by ICE agents in preventable acts of violence. It doesn't end there. In January alone, Geraldo Lunas Campos, 55, from Cuba; Parady La, 46, from Cambodia; Luis Gustavo Núñez Cáceres, 42, from Honduras; Luis Beltran Yanez–Cruz, 68, from Honduras; Heber Sánchez Domínguez, 34, from Mexico; and Victor Manuel Díaz from Nicaragua all died at the hands of DHS in custody or during raids. This cannot continue. That's why we're demanding accountability for Kristi Noem. Kristi Noem cannot be trusted to investigate the killings that happened under her leadership. In the wake of the shootings in Minneapolis, Noem and DHS officials rushed out statements that directly contradicted video evidence and eyewitness accounts, falsely blaming victims instead of confronting the reality of ICE's brutality. This pattern of deception, coverups, and contempt for the rule of law makes one thing clear: Kristi Noem must be removed. 🛑 Not One More Penny for ICE Common Cause isn't just sounding the alarm — we're taking action to stop ICE's abuses and demand real accountability from DHS and Kristi Noem. Backed by our members in every congressional district, we're pushing Congress to act. Here's how Common Cause is making a difference: We're demanding a nationwide end to ICE surge operations in every city. We're forcing accountability by calling for full federal cooperation with local investigations in the killings of Renée Nicole Good, Alex Pretti, and other uses of force. We're leading the call for new leadership at DHS, including calling for the firing of Kristi Noem. We're urging Congress to reject handing over one more penny for DHS funding. Stand with us in demanding accountability and leadership change at DHS. This is how we turn outrage into action. These efforts will directly influence a critical congressional vote on DHS funding — a showdown that could lead to a partial government shutdown unless lawmakers agree to the people's demand for accountability and reform. 📱 Our Favorite Post 👀 ICYMI   We're working so hard to protect our democracy, we could write you a novel instead of a newsletter. Instead, here are the top headlines you don't want to miss: Georgia 🍑: In a small victory, a federal judge has dismissed the DOJ's lawsuit seeking Georgia voters' personal, private information. Read updates on Common Cause's fight to protect voters here. Ohio 🎢: We're supporting a lobbying bill in the Buckeye State that promotes transparency around the money used for influencing state politics. Learn more here. Florida 🍊: Common Cause is urging lawmakers in the Sunshine State to have regular audits and disclosure agreements on AI platforms to protect users' personal data in the digital age. Find out how we are advocating for user protections. 📊 By the Numbers 🗞️ Kicker Quote 👕 Wear Your Values If you're not following Common Cause, you're not getting the truth. If you were forwarded this newsletter and want to sign up too, click here. For updates, follow us on X [Twitter], Instagram, Threads, Facebook, and TikTok. Common Cause is a leader in fights that matter at the local and state level. Your support helps us fight special interests, hold elected officials accountable, and build a better democracy for all Floridians. DONATE Interested in volunteering with our Action Team? Sign up here. 333 3rd Ave N, Unit 427 St. Petersburg Fl, 33701 202.833.1200 https://commoncause.org Common Cause's work to defend and strengthen our democracy is powered by members like you. You can use this link to unsubscribe or let us know you'd like to receive fewer emails from us.

Sent via ActionNetwork.org. To update your email address, change your name or address, or to stop receiving emails from Common Cause, please click here.