This week, I voted NO to increase funding for the Department of Homeland Security. And I want to tell you why:

Our country has reached its breaking point. The illegal and fascistic actions of the Trump administration are too monstrous to ignore:

Government agents shooting and killing citizens in cold blood. Ripping babies away from their parents. Breaking into homes without a warrant, without due process for those accused.

Voting to continue a partial government shutdown is not something I take lightly. But this is a line in the sand. We cannot treat this moment like politics-as-usual while American citizens are being gunned down in the streets by their own government.

So I want every MAGA Republican to hear me on this: I will NEVER vote to give extra funding to an agency that is terrorizing communities, violating the Constitution, and operating with zero accountability.

I truly believe this: As Democrats, we have nothing to gain by cowering in fear or backing down. If we show weakness right now, Trump will exploit it. That’s why I need to ask: Will you chip in whatever you can to help me keep standing strong for immigrant communities, for Colorado, and for our Constitution?

Kristi Noem and Donald Trump want us to bow down. They want us to throw our hands in the air and just accept that change isn’t possible.

But they’re wrong.

Today, even some Republicans are finally speaking out against the Trump administration’s depravity. Yes, we need more to speak out. But it’s clear as day: The tide is turning against Donald Trump. So he’s getting nervous.

We all know what wannabe dictators do when they’re losing their grip on power: They panic. And they crack down on dissent even further. That’s what’s happening right now.

But the job isn’t done. Until there are real guardrails, real oversight, and real consequences for these abuses of power, they will continue. The only way to stop them for good?

Taking back Congress on Election Day.

These last few weeks have been exceptionally difficult — for myself, and for millions of families across the country. But we can’t become discouraged. Our immigrant neighbors are counting on us to fight — so that’s what I’m going to do. If you’re with me, I’d be extremely grateful to have your support.

This election is about far more than a President or any political party. It’s about finally restoring accountability and public trust to the people’s government.

So let’s win it.

-Brittany Pettersen