Governor Joe Lombardo isn't mincing words. He wants Congress to fund the men and women keeping America's borders safe — and he wants it done now.
Lombardo joined 22 other Republican governors last week in signing a joint letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson. The letter urges Congress to pass the Secure America Act, a bill that would provide sustained, long-term funding for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
A Sheriff's Perspective
Lombardo knows this issue from the inside out. He spent decades in law enforcement before becoming governor. He's seen what happens when officers don't have the tools they need.
“As a former sheriff, I know firsthand that law enforcement officers cannot do their jobs effectively without the personnel, equipment, and resources they need to keep communities safe,” Lombardo said.
“The men and women of CBP and ICE are on the front lines protecting our nation from dangerous criminals, drug traffickers, and human traffickers. Congress has a responsibility to ensure these agencies are fully funded and fully equipped to carry out their mission.”
That's a man who wore the badge speaking plain truth.
What's Actually at Stake
Think about what CBP and ICE actually do. They stop fentanyl from pouring across the border into your neighborhood. They break up human trafficking rings. They catch violent criminals before they can hurt your family.
The governors' letter makes the case directly.
Under President Trump's leadership, they write:
“America has the most secure border in our Nation's history. No longer are human traffickers, drug traffickers, and violent criminals taking advantage of an open border to hurt innocent people and American communities.”
That progress didn't happen by accident. It happened because agents had the support they needed to do their jobs.
Now that support is in jeopardy.
Democrats Playing Politics — With Real Consequences
Senate Democrats have been blocking funding for CBP and ICE for months. The governors call it exactly what it is — using brave law enforcement officers as:
“pawns and collateral damage to their political cause.”
These aren't abstract budget numbers. Every day CBP and ICE operate without guaranteed funding is a day drug traffickers and human smugglers see an opening.
Critics on the left argue the administration's immigration enforcement has gone too far. They raise concerns about civil liberties and the scope of deportation operations. Some Senate Democrats say they want immigration reform attached to any new funding — essentially holding border security hostage to a broader policy fight.
But try explaining that tradeoff to a Nevada family that's lost someone to fentanyl.
Why This Matters for Limited-Government Conservatives
Here's an important distinction worth making. Conservatives who believe in limited government aren't anti-government — they're against wasteful, overreaching government. Border security and law enforcement are core functions that the government should actually be doing. Protecting citizens from foreign criminal threats is about as basic as it gets.
The Secure America Act isn't big government. It's the government doing its actual job.
Lombardo reinforced that philosophy last year when he signed the Safe Streets and Neighborhoods Act — one of the most comprehensive public safety reforms in Nevada history. He backed it up with this coalition letter. The through-line is consistent: fund the officers, support the mission, keep people safe.
What Comes Next
The Secure America Act is moving through the budget reconciliation process. That's the legislative path Republicans are using to pass it without needing Democratic votes in the Senate. The governors want it done quickly and cleanly — no delay, no political games.
If reconciliation succeeds, CBP and ICE get funded through the rest of President Trump's term. If Democrats manage to slow-walk or derail it, the agencies face continued uncertainty.
What You Can Do
Contact Nevada's congressional delegation and make your voice heard. Tell them Nevada signed that letter. Tell them Governor Lombardo put his name on it for a reason. Demand they vote to pass the Secure America Act.
Border security isn't a partisan bumper sticker. It's a kitchen-table issue — and it's time Congress treated it that way.
Read the full letter: Joint Gov Letter on ICE funding 6.2.26 (002)
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
