Your Voice Matters: Contact Your Arizona Representatives
- Britta Van Dun
- 22 hours ago
- 7 min read
Calling Your Representatives Actually Works
It's easy to feel powerless right now. But. A phone call is one of the most effective ways to influence policy. I wrote this with the clock ticking with the January 30th funding deadline fast approaching. Senators can still oppose funding for ICE and CBP if they hear from constituents ASAP.
Research show that phone calls to representatives can have a big impact:
Every single call is logged and counted. Congressional staffers track call volume on specific issues and report these numbers directly to your representatives.
Phone calls carry more weight than emails, petitions, or social media posts. Lawmakers know that picking up the phone requires more effort—if someone calls, they know the issue matters.
High call volume creates urgency. When senators receive a surge of calls about a specific issue, it signals that constituents care enough to hold them accountable in the next election.
Your representatives work for you. Your tax dollars fund their salaries. They need to hear from who elected them.
"Even if it's just an intern taking calls, a large volume of calls about one issue can make it clear just how much constituent support a policy has." - Represent.Us
Right now, with the funding deadline fast approaching, your voice matters now more than ever.
This post focuses on Immigration & ICE . There are SO MANY issues, individuals and communities to consider right now. If you'd also like to read more about how current federal policies are impacting Women, Low Income families, LGBTQ+, Medicaid, SNAP, Social Security, Federal Workers, Domestic Workers, BIPOC, the Disability Community, you name it, click here.
Arizona Representatives
Governor Katie Hobbs - Arizona's state-level leader
Senator Mark Kelly - U.S. Senator (Democrat)
Senator Ruben Gallego - U.S. Senator (Democrat)
URGENT: Please Call Before the January 30th Funding Deadline
Congress is currently voting on the FY2026 Homeland Security appropriations bill. This bill will determine funding levels for ICE and CBP through September 2026.
What's at stake:
ICE recently received $75 billion through the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act"—a massive increase from their traditional $10-11 billion annual budget. This funding includes:
$30 billion for ICE operations
$45 billion for detention facilities
Funding to maintain 50,000 detention beds
The current Homeland Security bill cuts some ICE funding compared to what Republicans requested, but many believe it doesn't go far enough to address ICE's documented abuses, including:
Fatal shootings of U.S. citizens (including Alex Pretti and Isaiah Good in Minnesota)
Racial profiling and unlawful detention
Aggressive tactics without accountability
Operating without body cameras or proper oversight
Senate Democrats are currently opposing the bill unless stronger reforms are included. But. They need to hear from constituents immediately to maintain this position.
How to Call State Representatives: Step-by-Step
Option 1: Capitol Switchboard (Easiest)
Call: (202) 224-3121
When someone answers, say:"Hello, I'd like to be connected to Senator [Mark Kelly / Ruben Gallego]'s office, please."
They'll transfer you directly.
Option 2: Direct Office Numbers
Direct numbers for both DC and Arizona offices on each senator's website:
Mark Kelly: www.kelly.senate.gov Tucson (520)475-5177 Phoenix (602)671-7901
Ruben Gallego: www.gallego.senate.gov Tucson & Phoenix (480) 697-3600
Arizona district offices often have lower call volume, so you're more likely to speak with a staff member directly
Option 3: Call Both Offices
Call both the DC office AND the Arizona district office to double your impact.
What to Say When You Call
Here is a Sample Script for Reform-Focused Call:
"Hi, my name is [YOUR NAME] and I'm an Arizona resident from [CITY/ZIP CODE].
I'm calling to urge Senator [Kelly/Gallego] to oppose the Homeland Security appropriations bill unless it includes meaningful reforms to ICE, including:
Body cameras for all ICE agents conducting enforcement operations
Accountability measures so agents who use excessive force or violate constitutional rights face consequences—no immunity from prosecution
Bans on aggressive tactics that have resulted in deaths of U.S. citizens
Protections for sensitive locations like schools, hospitals, and churches
Oversight mechanisms to prevent racial profiling and unlawful detention
"Recent ICE operations have resulted in deaths of U.S. citizens, detentions without proper warrants, and use of excessive force. We need accountable, properly trained officers enforcing immigration laws with constitutional oversight.
Congress has the power to require meaningful reforms to ICE. I'm asking you to use it.
My name again is [YOUR NAME]. My phone number is [PHONE] and my email is [EMAIL]. My zip code is [ZIP CODE].
Thank you for listening and representing Arizona constituents."
Alternative Script (Shorter, for Voicemail or Quick Calls):
"Hello, my name is [NAME] and I'm calling from [ZIP CODE] in Arizona.
I'm asking Senator [Kelly/Gallego] to vote against the Homeland Security appropriations bill unless it includes real accountability measures for ICE and CBP.
We need immigration enforcement that respects constitutional rights and protects communities—not expanded detention without oversight.
Please share this with the Senator. Thank you for your time."
Email Your Senators (In Addition to Calling)
Subject Line: Oppose Homeland Security Funding. Demand ICE Reform
Email Template:
Senator [Kelly/Gallego],
I'm writing as your constituent from [CITY, Arizona] to ask you to vote against the Homeland Security appropriations bill unless it includes real reforms to how ICE operates.
Recent ICE operations have resulted in serious constitutional violations—including deaths of U.S. citizens, detentions without judicial warrants, and excessive use of force. Before expanding ICE funding, we need basic accountability measures in place:
Mandatory body cameras during enforcement operations
Consequences for agents who violate constitutional rights or use excessive force
Restored protections for schools, hospitals, and places of worship
Oversight systems to prevent racial profiling and unlawful detention
Expanding enforcement and detention without these safeguards puts everyone at risk and undermines the constitutional protections we all depend on.
I'm counting on you to prioritize both border security and constitutional rights. These aren't competing values—they go hand in hand.
Thank you for representing Arizona and for considering my concerns.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[City, ZIP Code]
Tips for Effective Calling
Do:
Be polite and respectful. The person answering is likely an underpaid staffer doing their job. Thank them for their time.
Be concise. Stick to 1-2 key issues per call.
Personalize your message. If you have a personal story or specific reason this matters to you, share it briefly.
Call regularly. One call is good; multiple calls over time create sustained pressure.
Get to know staff names if you call often—it builds rapport and credibility.
Don't:
Don't call representatives outside your state. It's not effective and may block calls from their actual constituents.
Don't be rude or aggressive. Staffers track the tone of calls - kindness is key.
Don't overwhelm them with a long list. Focus your message.
If you're nervous:
Leave a voicemail. Calling on evenings/weekends means you'll likely get voicemail—still effective and less stressful.
Use the script. You don't need to be an expert. Just read a sample script or write your own and read that.
Remember: It only takes 2 minutes. About the same time as brushing your teeth.
Beyond Calling: Other Ways to Take Action
1. Donate to Vetted Organizations Supporting Immigrants in Arizona
These organizations provide legal support, humanitarian aid, and advocacy for immigrants and detainees:
Legal Services:
Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project (firrp.org)Provides free legal and social services to detained adults and children facing deportation in Arizona. They work in Florence, Eloy, and Phoenix detention centers.
Asylum Program of Arizona (asylumprogramofarizona.org)Provides free or low-cost legal services to non-detained asylum seekers. All volunteers; nearly 100% of donations go directly to helping clients.
Immigration Law Clinic, University of Arizona (law.arizona.edu/immigration-law-clinic)Deportation defense for detainees and non-detained individuals.
Humanitarian Aid & Advocacy:
Kino Border Initiative (kinoborderinitiative.org)Binational organization providing humanitarian assistance and advocacy at the Arizona-Mexico border in Nogales.
No More Deaths / No Más Muertes (nomoredeaths.org)Provides humanitarian aid, water drops, and medical assistance to migrants in the desert.
Puente Arizona (puenteaz.org)Grassroots migrant justice organization that has stopped over 478 deportations and keeps families together.
Mariposas Sin Fronteras Supports LGBTQ people detained in Eloy and Florence through visits, letters, bond support, and housing.
Immigrant & Refugee Services:
Arizona Immigrant and Refugee Services (AIRS) (airsaz.org)Provides housing, food, translation, job training, and resettlement services.
International Rescue Committee - Tucson (rescue.org)Resettlement and support services for refugees.
National Organizations:
Freedom for Immigrants (freedomforimmigrants.org)Abolishes immigration detention and exposes human rights abuses.
ACLU of Arizona (acluaz.org)Civil liberties advocacy and legal support.
2. Attend Local Events & Protests
Stay connected with organizations like Democracy Unites Us, Puente Arizona, LUCHA, and Arizona Dream Act Coalition for information about rallies, community meetings, and direct action opportunities.
3. Support Detainees Directly
Bond funds: Organizations like Mariposas Sin Fronteras and the Protection Network Action Fund help pay bonds to free detainees.
Letter-writing: Many detention centers allow letters to detainees. Contact Florence Project or Mariposas Sin Fronteras to learn how.
4. Share "Know Your Rights" Information
Use the ICE rights guide we created and share it widely in your community. Knowledge is power, and people need to know their constitutional rights.
5. Stay Informed & Engaged
Follow your state representatives on social media
Sign up for newsletters from immigrant rights organizations
Track how your representatives vote on immigration issues
Vote in every election—local, state, and federal
This Moment Requires All of Us
Lawful people arrested at their jobs. Assaulted during peaceful protests. Pulled out of their cars. Blinded by munitions. Shot and killed.
These are absolute violations of our constitutional rights.
We need qualified, well-trained officers enforcing immigration laws.
If DHS and ICE won't reform—and according to Secretary Noem, they won't—then Congress needs to step up and use its power.
But Congress will only act if they hear from us. Loudly. Repeatedly. With clarity and conviction.
Let's be on the right side of history.
So please—call. Email. Donate. Show up. Share information. Support your neighbors.
We still have time to act. But the window is closing fast.
The January 30th funding deadline is approaching. Your senators need to hear from you now—before the vote happens.
Quick Action Checklist
☐ Call Senator Mark Kelly's office
☐ Call Senator Ruben Gallego's office
☐ Email both senators
☐ Donate to at least one organization supporting immigrants
☐ Share this information with friends, family, and community
☐ Save the Capitol switchboard number in your phone: (202) 224-3121
☐ Commit to calling twice a week until the bill is resolved
Remember: You are not powerless. Your voice matters. Your representatives work for you.
Call today. And then call again tomorrow.
This is how democracy works—when we work it.
This information was compiled from congressional records, news reports, and immigrant rights organizations. Information is current as of January 26, 2026.
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