Schumer Critiques GOP Amid DHS Shutdown

During a recent appearance on CNN’s “The Situation Room,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) expressed his frustration with Republicans regarding the ongoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown. He stated, “What we’ve shown the American people is that we want clear, common-sense reforms to ICE and its structure, whereas Republicans don’t seem to.”

Co-host Pamela Brown pressed Schumer about the recent Senate plan, noting that it lacked the immigration enforcement reforms that Democrats had initially insisted upon over a month ago. “What has your party achieved with this shutdown?” she asked.

Schumer replied, “First, let me clarify, the Republican Party is far from unified. Just this morning, Congressman Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) stated he couldn’t support funding for the Coast Guard and other agencies, rejecting a proposal by Sen. John Thune (R-South Dakota). This is clearly a shutdown driven by Mr. Johnson. If the bill had been debated fairly, it likely would have garnered overwhelming support. Therefore, Democrats aren’t willing to fund ICE and other agencies without reforms.” He emphasized the need for improvements, like using warrants as all police departments do. “The American public wants this reform,” he added.

Brown then pointed out that ICE and CBP are already receiving billions from last year’s budget, asking what Democrats have actually accomplished during the shutdown that has caused hardship for many public servants.

Schumer responded, “To reiterate, we were ready to fund the rest of DHS, but Republicans have consistently blocked these efforts. It’s their responsibility. We want clear, sensible reform, while they seem comfortable with the chaos caused by ICE in various cities. If they plan to fund it amidst this turmoil, that’s on them.”

Co-host Wolf Blitzer chimed in, questioning Schumer about critics who argue that ICE and Border Patrol already have substantial funding due to a previous budget bill. He asked if the Democrats are delaying action for political reasons.

“That’s just not fair to say,” Schumer retorted. “We delayed because we’re advocating for reforms that the American people support by a significant margin. We refuse to fund what we consider lawless organizations. The public stands overwhelmingly with us on this.”

Blitzer pressed further, noting that these agencies are already funded. Schumer countered, explaining that continuing to allocate funds to what he views as lawless operations would contribute to chaos in communities. “We won’t be a part of that,” he concluded.