January 30, 2026 

Dear JOHN, 

The scenes we saw out of Minnesota this week were sickening. The recklessness and brutality of the Trump Administration know no bounds. Like so many of you, I am disgusted and I am angry. Read on to hear how I’m fighting back. 

The Trump Administration’s aggressive deployment of ICE and Border Patrol agents has led to the needless deaths of U.S. citizens in Minneapolis and underscores the urgent need for accountability, oversight, and a fundamental shift in priorities. 

I signed on to a Congressional resolution calling for the immediate impeachment of United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem before more innocent lives are destroyed by her cruelty. No one—not ICE agents and certainly not Secretary Noem—should be above the law, and the Secretary must be held responsible for the atrocities committed by her department.

Taxpayer dollars should be used to protect our communities, not be used to fuel violence and fear in our streets. I voted ‘NO’ on a funding measure for DHS, and I will continue to do so until meaningful change and respect for the rule of law are restored. We can never give up on the fight to ensure safety, freedom, and justice for all. 

In the aftermath of these tragic events, instead of protecting the American people, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi is playing political games. In a letter to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz following last weekend’s shooting, she demanded access to state voter records, including sensitive, constitutionally protected information, as a condition for federal cooperation in removing ICE from the state. 

I held a press conference this week to share the story of Lauren Goetz, a local small business owner whose healthcare premiums rose by nearly 350% in 2026 due to the expiration of the Affordable Care Act Enhanced Premium Tax Credits. 

Hard-working small business owners like Lauren are being forced into impossible choices because Senate Republicans and the Trump Administration failed to act—choices between their health and the businesses they worked their whole lives to build. Health insurance should never be the reason a small business closes, jobs disappear, or vital community services are lost. 

The House has already passed a bipartisan extension of these tax credits, and now the Senate and the Trump Administration must do their jobs and deliver relief before stories like Lauren’s become commonplace. 

Read more: Congressman Joe Morelle Spotlights Local Small Business Owner Impacted by Skyrocketing Healthcare Costs  

At a time when there is so much pain and chaos in our country, it’s important to lean into opportunities to spread goodness, when we can. I invite you to help spread some love to the brave veterans across our region by participating in our annual Valentines for Veterans! Send in valentines or homemade cards to our office by February 11th and help us show our gratitude for their service—past and present. 

How to participate: 

• Grab your art supplies or write a note to a local veteran. 

• Please mail or drop off your valentines at our office by appointment at 255 East Ave, Suite 150, Rochester, NY 14604. 

• If you plan to drop off your valentines, please contact Carly Bird at 585-232-4850 Ext. 6, or [email protected] to make an appointment. 

For more information, visit my website. 

Please know my office is always here to help. Visit morelle.house.gov to learn more about how we can assist you and your family. Due to ongoing actions by the Trump administration affecting federal agencies, case processing may be slightly delayed. We appreciate your patience and remain committed to resolving your cases promptly. 

Until next week, 

Joe Morelle 

New York’s 25th Congressional District