Vasquez, Border Democrats Call for Transparency Around DHS Spending $150B “Blank Check”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On September 12, 2025, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) led a group of Members representing border states demanding transparency and accountability in how the Department of Homeland Security will spend more than $150 billion taxpayer dollars newly allocated under H.R. 1.

In a letter sent to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, the Members called for a meeting and outlined detailed spending recommendations to ensure DHS allocates funds in a manner that prioritizes public safety, efficiency, and American values. The lawmakers stressed the need for smart investments — such as technology to fight illegal activity and cartels’ use of drones at the border, better training and mental health support for agents, and oversight mechanisms to prevent abuse — rather than ineffective, wasteful policies.

“No one knows the border better than the Members who represent it and live in these communities,” said Vasquez. “DHS was just handed a massive blank check, and we owe it to American taxpayers to provide accountability and transparency. Secretary Noem must explain to the American people how this massive spending will be used and justify every dollar that is spent.”

“Our border communities deserve real solutions that keep them safe and strengthen trust,” said Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz (CA-25). “Instead of a $150 billion blank check, we need transparency, oversight, and targeted investments that fight illegal activity, support our agents, and prevent waste and abuse of taxpayer dollars.”

“Taxpayer dollars need to be spent responsibly and transparently – for Homeland Security, that means stopping drugs from crossing the border, making the most of advanced technology, and holding violent criminals accountable,” said Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet(MI-08). “When we spend $150 billion of their dollars on such important priorities, our constituents need to know that their money is being spent effectively and efficiently.”

“Transparency is essential to public trust and cracking down on waste, fraud, and abuse is a core constitutional responsibility for us in Congress,” said Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02). “The people of New Hampshire need to know that $150 billion in taxpayer dollars will be spent lawfully and effectively, and I will not rest until we get a full and transparent justification for every taxpayer dollar.”

The letter’s recommendations include:

• Invest in smart border technology, including existing physical barriers in high population areas, autonomous surveillance towers, aerial systems, tunnel detection, and counter-drone systems..
• Prioritize enforcement against serious criminals, rather than mass deportations and detaining individuals who pose no threat to public safety .
• Expand staffing, training, and services for USBP agents, including communications capabilities, search-and-rescue tools, and mental health support.
• Increase ICE transparency, ensuring that no American citizens are detained, implementing meaningful agent identification standards, and improving public reporting and information related to individuals in custody.
• Improve detention resources and standards, including sufficient funding for basic services for health care, sanitary conditions, and programs to ensure a legal and fair process.
• Strengthen infrastructure at ports of entry, scanning 100% of cargo entering the US, and combatting drug cartels and trafficking.

​​The Members emphasized that with some DHS agencies seeing their budgets nearly triple under this new funding, taxpayers deserve to know how every dollar will be spent.

For the full text of the letter, click here.

Rep. Vasquez has been a strong advocate for accountability in border spending and immigration enforcement. With his Humane Accountability Act and leading role in the New Dem Immigration & Border Security Framework, he is fighting for a balanced, humane approach to border security and immigration policy that keeps communities safe while upholding the dignity of all people.

###