Jeffries Criticizes DHS Funding Bill

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) expressed that the dismissal of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem isn’t sufficient for Democrats to endorse the Republican-backed DHS funding bill, which has been labeled a “murder machine” by some.

In a conversation on “CNN News Central” Wednesday, host Kate Bolduan asked Jeffries what revisions would need to be made to gain Democratic support for the funding bill, specifically questioning if Noem’s firing would suffice.

“No, it’s certainly not enough that Noem is let go,” Jeffries replied, clarifying that it’s just a starting point.

Bolduan pressed Jeffries for more detail on what changes would be necessary. He stated, “There are core values and principles at stake. Taxpayer dollars shouldn’t be used to harm American citizens, or to unjustly target law-abiding individuals…” before Bolduan interrupted.

She countered his assertion by noting, “Our current policy is not to use taxpayer funds to kill American citizens.”

Despite this, Jeffries stood firm on his views, referencing recent fatal shootings of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Preti involving federal agents in Minneapolis.

“Clearly, that’s the situation. We have what amounts to a DHS killing machine,” he asserted, pointing out the tragic incidents involving Preti and Good and highlighting the deaths of numerous individuals in ICE custody last year as part of his argument.

Jeffries also mentioned that while he supports the Trump administration’s commitment to deporting violent felons, the execution of that promise isn’t reflected in current actions. “We expect ICE to operate like any other law enforcement body. This means using judicial warrants, avoiding sneak tactics, employing body cameras, and holding officers accountable for misconduct,” he added.

He criticized the perception that ICE operates without accountability, suggesting it’s a factor in misconduct and fraud.

Meanwhile, Senate Democrats are threatening to veto a significant government funding bill affecting various departments, including the Army and FEMA, due to concerns over ICE provisions.

If the House-passed bill does not succeed in the Senate by Friday evening, portions of the government may have to reduce or halt operations until a resolution is found.

Leaders from the conservative House Freedom Caucus have indicated they will refuse any alterations to the ICE funding outlined in the DHS segment of the proposal.