On Wednesday, Representative Robert Garcia (D-Calif) suggested that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) could potentially start deporting U.S. citizens if its budget expands as requested in 2026.
In a conversation on MSNBC’s “All About Chris Hayes,” Garcia responded to a question regarding the Trump administration’s desire for a “significant expansion of DHS funding, particularly regarding immigration enforcement,” which he described as potentially increasing the agency’s budget three to five times its current level.
He expressed concern that additional funding would only enhance DHS’s existing initiatives.
“They are already deporting individuals… Children diagnosed with cancer in other countries, often without any consent from their families. They’re effectively detaining students for voicing their opinions and exercising their rights,” Garcia stated.
“Do they really think we should provide them with more resources to continue these actions?” he added.
Lawmakers have raised alarms about the potential for escalating issues.
“Let’s be clear: they will target U.S. citizens. They are already doing this to immigrant children and asylum seekers. We cannot allocate more funds for this, especially when they are now pursuing members of Congress,” he warned. “This is a very critical moment for our nation, and we must treat it with the urgency it deserves.”
The administration’s 2026 budget proposal, released earlier this month, includes a 65% increase for the DHS budget. Management and budget director Russell Vautt indicated a plan to implement extensive deportations reminiscent of the Trump era and emphasized securing borders.
The Hill has reached out to DHS for a response to Garcia’s comments.
