Democratic efforts to cut funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) budget discussions have not been successful so far.
Recently, Congress passed a significant bill that allocates around $170 billion for immigration enforcement and border security. This includes an additional $75 billion for ICE, positioning it as one of the most financed federal law enforcement bodies.
Despite a partial federal government shutdown, operations for ICE and CBP in Minneapolis and nationwide are likely to proceed without interruption. ICE personnel are considered “excepted” employees, which permits them to continue working even when funding lapses. Additionally, the agency has substantial carryover funds from last year’s budget approved by President Trump.
While attempts by Democrats to slash ICE funding have not gained traction, tensions in Congress have escalated, particularly following the shooting death of Alex Preti, a U.S. citizen and nurse, by Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis.
Preti’s death has sparked more scrutiny on ICE and CBP’s activities across the nation. Senate Democrats have threatened to oppose the DHS funding bill unless it includes significant restrictions on immigration enforcement—a standoff that could potentially lead to another government shutdown as deadlines near.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer indicated on social media that Democrats would not provide necessary votes to advance the DHS funding measure unless it is modified to address concerns about ICE practices. This reflects a growing resistance within the party towards including DHS funding in a broader spending bill.
Schumer also remarked that what’s happening in Minnesota is unacceptable anywhere in the U.S. He criticized the DHS funding bill for failing to address these issues adequately, expressing frustration with Republicans for not opposing President Trump.
Inevitably, ICE will keep operating during the shutdown. Yet, Democrats, including Schumer and Texas Rep. Greg Cassar, chairman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, have pushed for policy reforms at ICE and DHS, particularly following Preti’s shooting.
Cassar has laid out specific demands for changing ICE operations, insisting on the withdrawal of federal immigration agents from Minneapolis and other cities, as well as an independent inquiry into federal agents involved in fatal incidents. This comes as Senate Democrats look to reform ICE before progressing on major spending legislation.
The discussions in Congress remain fraught. The White House and Republican officials reached out to Senate Democrats, but no actionable solutions have emerged yet. While tensions are high over the recent incidents, Republicans are holding their ground against cutting DHS funding from the larger budget package, ensuring ICE and CBP operations continue uninterrupted due to their designation as “essential” services.
The bill also provides essential funding for other agencies like FEMA, critical amid ongoing emergencies in twelve states. Failure to pass this budget could severely impact vital government services unrelated to immigration.
A spokesperson for Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune remarked that Democrats have recognized that ICE will still function during a government shutdown. He emphasized that the DHS budget encompasses considerably more than immigration enforcement.
As for discussions between Democratic leadership and Republican officials, inquiries were made but no responses were provided before publication.
