Sen. Ted Cruz Blames Democrats for DHS Funding Stalemate
On Wednesday, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) accused Democrats of dodging attempts to prevent a funding freeze for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) amid disagreements about President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. He suggested that allowing a deadlock to continue poses a risk to national safety.
Cruz stated, “They are only responding to radical open border bases.” Earlier this week, there seemed to be a potential compromise that would separate funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from the broader DHS budget, but discussions stalled due to backlash from both parties.
He placed the blame firmly on the Democratic Party and expressed skepticism about their intentions. When asked about the possibility of shifting goalposts, he remarked, “Of course it is.” He referenced Chuck Schumer’s statements on a morning talk show about accepting a deal concerning ICE, noting a sudden reversal when negotiations intensified.
Funding for DHS originally lapsed on February 14, mainly because Democrats demanded conditional funding based on specific reforms to ICE operations. These included banning certain practices, imposing stricter warrant requirements for detaining suspects, and ensuring clear identification for law enforcement.
Democrats argued that these reforms are needed to guarantee public safety, especially after two violent incidents involving immigration enforcement in Minnesota. Republicans, however, have resisted these proposals, claiming they would hinder Trump’s immigration enforcement agenda.
Cruz warned that the dangers of leaving government departments unfunded were clear, citing several recent terrorist attacks linked to Islamic extremists. “DHS was created to prevent terrorist attacks, but Democrats are putting all Americans at risk with their extremist politics,” he stated.
In light of recent violence—including a car crash at a synagogue in Michigan and a mass shooting in Texas—Cruz, along with other lawmakers, is pressing for full funding of the agency.
As ongoing negotiations continue, Republicans have put forth what they declare to be a “final proposal,” but the specifics remain undisclosed for now.
