Democratic leaders in the Senate have made it clear that they are set on stopping the current funding package for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). They will act unless it contains funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This position statement is in response to last week’s police shooting of Renee Good. Her death sparked new, nationwide protests against ICE’s abuses across the U.S. cities where they operate. At least three Democrats are pushing legislation that would force judicial warrants to be used for ICE’s home raids. They seek to prevent federal tax dollars from being used to detain or deport U.S. citizens.
The funding bill currently moving through Congress provides around $10 billion for ICE. This agency has been the focus of an extraordinary amount of criticism for its often overzealous tactics. National Democratic leaders such as Chuck Schumer and Catherine Cortez Masto have shown their support by speaking out against the agency’s actions. This new conflict highlights the growing rift between Democratic congressional leaders and the Trump Administration on matters of immigration enforcement policy.
Just earlier this month, an ICE agent shot and killed Renee Good in Minneapolis. This sad and unnecessary death led to heightened anger and national demonstrations throughout the country. The incident has fueled ongoing criticism of ICE, as many perceive its tactics as oppressive and contrary to local law enforcement efforts. In reaction to all these events, Democrats are calling for sweeping reforms.
“It’s clear that federal agents cannot murder people in broad daylight and face zero consequences,” stated a Democratic senator on social media. “I will NOT support the DHS bill as it stands.”
Senator Chuck Schumer criticized ICE’s conduct, stating, “What’s happening in Minnesota is appalling – and unacceptable in any American city.” He pointed out that the status quo isn’t about protecting Americans. Rather, it draws attention to the brutalization of U.S. citizens and law-abiding immigrants.
Senator Catherine Cortez Masto echoed Schumer’s sentiments, asserting that “the Trump administration and Kristi Noem are putting undertrained, combative federal agents on the streets with no accountability.” She continued by saying, “They are oppressing Americans and are at odds with local law enforcement.”
The public funding proposed in the House’s funding bill is a crucial and positive response to those recent developments. It provides funding for ICE agents to get body cameras and de-escalation training. Most Democrats agree that these measures are inadequate. In particular, they focus on the need for immediate accountability and reform of the agency.
Jacky Rosen, another prominent Democratic senator, stated, “As a member of the U.S. Senate, I have the responsibility to hold the Trump Administration accountable when I see abuses of power — like we are seeing from ICE right now.” She specifically pledged against supporting any package of government funding that includes any language that funds ICE until sufficient guardrails are in place.
Mark Warner joined the chorus of dissent, asserting, “I cannot and will not vote to fund DHS while this administration continues these violent federal takeovers of our cities.” This united front from every Democrat senator is an indication of the growing urgency to stop ICE’s alleged history of misconduct and abuse.
Even with this patriotic Democratic front, many Democrats went on to vote outside their party lines. Seven Democrats collaborated with nearly all Republicans to advance the funding bill, showcasing a divide within party ranks regarding immigration enforcement funding. Her counterpart, Patty Murray, ranking member on the appropriations committee, made a vigorous pronouncement. She’s opposed to the package in its current form due to grave and deep concerns regarding ICE’s actions.
The ideas would be one comma on an infinitely long list of potential reforms,” said Senator Chris Murphy. “What’s unacceptable is the current lawless status quo.” Other Democrats share a deep conviction that completely rehauling ICE’s practices is a must. As a result, they believe this transformation is needed to rebuild public confidence.