Some Democratic lawmakers are resisting support for Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding legislation unless it includes new restrictions on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), raising the possibility of a federal funding standoff ahead of the Jan. 30 deadline to avert a partial government shutdown.
Left-wingers and other Democrats in both the House and Senate have pressed for oversight measures that would limit how ICE operates, including requirements for agents to obtain warrants before making arrests, wear identification in the field and restrict use of firearms in civilian contexts. Critics argue these changes are necessary to rein in what they describe as unchecked enforcement practices.
The move comes following the Jan. 8 ICE shooting of Minneapolis resident Renee Good. She was killed after appearing to strike an agent with her vehicle while trying to flee the scene after blocking an ICE vehicle in a street and following agents throughout the day as they attempted enforcement actions.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) has said Democratic support for additional DHS funding hinges on such reforms, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) has drawn a “red line” against increased ICE funding without changes to agency operations.
“Taxpayer dollars are being used by the Department of Homeland Security and ICE to unleash extremism on the streets of America by individuals who are showing depraved indifference to human life,” Jeffries said earlier this week. He then listed a series of demands aimed at restricting ICE operations.
“There are a variety of different things that can be done that we have put on the table and will continue to put on the table to get ICE under control so that they are actually conducting themselves like every other law enforcement agency in the country, as opposed to operating as if they’re above the law, somehow thinking they’ve got absolute immunity.”
“It’s going to be quite a fight,” added Senator Angus King (I-ME), who caucuses with Democrats.
Lawmakers have already passed several spending packages covering much of the federal government, but the DHS appropriations bill — which includes funding for ICE — has stalled amid the dispute. If Congress does not reach an agreement or pass a continuing resolution by Jan. 30, non-essential DHS operations could be curtailed, though essential functions generally continue under existing budget authority.
Republicans hold a Senate majority and control key procedural levers, and party leaders have indicated they are unlikely to accept changes that Democrats are seeking. A shutdown would require Democrats to block a continuing resolution in the Senate, where 60 votes are needed to advance most funding measures.
Negotiations on the remaining appropriations bills are ongoing as lawmakers work toward a compromise that could keep the government funded through the current fiscal year while addressing competing priorities in both parties.
Meanwhile, agitators and protesters continue to attempt to disrupt ICE operations are increasing finding themselves regretting their decisions.
A 21-year-old protester was left permanently blind in his left eye after a federal officer fired a less-lethal projectile at close range during a demonstration in Santa Ana, California, on Jan. 9, family members, witnesses and officials said.
Kaden Rummler, a college student, was participating in a protest outside a federal immigration building against the Jan. 7 shooting death of Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Minneapolis when the confrontation occurred, video and statements show.
“Not even light and I never will,” he said when asked about his vision returning. “My doctor said it’s a miracle I’m still alive.”
Video footage of the incident shows a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officer firing a crowd-control munition at Rummler at close range. Rummler fell to the ground, bleeding, and was later pulled by an officer into the federal building, according to video and accounts provided by protesters and Rummler’s family.
