After the horrifying events of last week in Minneapolis, it is imperative that we address the unlawful actions of ICE in our communities. Many of us have watched the videos and heard the commentary from both the Trump administration, the state and local governments in Minnesota, and the neighbors and family of Renee Good. What happened to her was tragic and should never have happened. That agent had a CHOICE. He could have backed away, but instead he chose to walk IN FRONT of her vehicle, and he chose to shoot her – three times! The federal government has blocked state and local agencies from the investigation. It seems unlikely that Secretary Noem and FBI Director Patel will complete a THOROUGHinvestigation. Their statements thus far indicate a desire to “blame the victim.”

Many of us have stood up to the administration at peaceful protests, and many have stood watch for our neighbors. If a federal agent were to shoot and kill one of us, I expect that we would be treated much the same as Renee Good has been. She was an American citizen, just as we are.

Masked ICE and CBP agents are not law enforcement, but are assaulting, arresting, injuring, and killing HUMAN BEINGS without consequences. The Declaration of Independence states that our rights are secured, and that governments derive their power from “the consent of the governed.” Most Americans oppose the way ICE and CBP are acting. We must continue to fight these atrocities.

To those of you who joined Saturday’s protest with less than 48 hours’ notice, thank you! We are far from finished!

Reach out to your legislators TODAY.

Tell them to oppose any bill that includes increased funding for ICE or Border Patrol and to refuse to vote for any funding bill that does not strengthen restrictions on ICE, end their deployment to our cities, and reject their ever-expanding mandate.  Tell them that “THIS MUST END NOW!”

Senator Thom Tillis

202-224-6342

Senator Ted Budd 

202-224-3154

Representative Pat Harrigan 

(202) 225-2576

Representative Virginia Foxx

(202) 225-2071  

Thank you for everything you do to protect our democracy!

ICCV Legislative Committee

“With Liberty and Justice for ALL”

Election Information and updates

Please keep in mind that the most important tool we have for resistance is the ballot box. Here are ongoing reminders and updates of election-related actions to take.

·      Double-check your voter registration by going to the Board of Elections website https://www.ncsbe.gov/registering/checking-your-registration and click on the blue button: “Launch the Voter Search.” Enter your name and birth year to find a link to your registration information.  Make sure everything is correct.

·      Review sample ballots for the upcoming primaries on the Board of Elections website.

·      Remember these important dates and act accordingly:

o   LWVCV Forum for Catawba County Commissioner Republican Primary Candidates: January 29, 2026 @ 6:00 – 7:30 PM, Catawba County Library, 115 W C St., Newton

Note: There is no Democratic Primary for this race. Three Democratic candidates advance directly to November general election.

o   VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE: February 6, 2026 @ 5:00 PM

o   IN-PERSON EARLY VOTING BEGINS: February 12, 2026

o   ABSENTEE BALLOT REQUEST DEADLINE: February 17, 2026 @ 5:00 PM

o   IN-PERSON EARLY VOTING ENDS: February 28, 2026 @ 3:00 PM

o   PRIMARY ELECTION DAY: March 3, 2026

o   ABSENTEE BALLOT RETURN DEADLINE: March 3, 2026 @ 7:30 PM

*** Important note about mail-in ballots: The USPS has changed their postmark process. Items are not postmarked on the date they were placed in the box, but on the date they are processed by the sorting facility. So be sure to send mail-in ballots extra early. Alternatively, you can take your mail-in ballot into the post office and request a hand postmark.