Rep. Jason Crow Advocates for Funding Battle to Regulate ICE

Rep. Jason Crow, a Democrat from Colorado, expressed on Friday that Congress should explore using funding battles to limit the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

For over a month now, Democrats have been working to extend premium subsidies for Obamacare to address issues from the coronavirus pandemic, leading to stalled government operations as they resist Republican efforts to reopen. During an interview on “The Arena with Casey Hunt,” Crow was questioned about whether these funding disagreements could be leveraged to reshape ICE’s operational methods.

“It’s not novel to suggest that funding bills can influence government policy. That’s essentially our responsibility,” Crow noted in response to Hunt’s inquiry about changing ICE’s practices through funding disputes. “Congress’s role is to ensure laws are enforced, and we utilize funding bills to enhance policy. We must ensure the executive branch’s actions align with the morals and values of our communities,” he added.

Crow has criticized ICE for lacking adequate oversight, claiming its agents have harmed civilians and instilled fear in communities. He mentioned incidents involving undercover officers and unmarked vehicles.

“Absolutely, we ought to use the funding bill to rein in these out-of-control agencies that are misusing their power. For instance, there are cases of masked ICE agents apprehending American citizens in unmarked cars, deporting individuals, and even threatening families,” Crow stated. “This behavior must come to an end. It’s not just our right but our obligation as legislators to put a stop to such abuse.”

Crow also linked his stance to his opposition to former President Donald Trump, asserting he would not sanction funding for governmental bodies operating outside the law or against the Constitution.

“We should keep the idea of a government shutdown on the table. Why should we simply concede to their demands? Why would I do that with Donald Trump? I refuse to fund an agency that acts unlawfully and irresponsibly. There need to be safeguards in place,” Crow explained, mentioning ongoing negotiations for additional regulations in both the Senate and House.

Democrats have consistently voiced their opposition to ICE. For example, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has barred local police from collaborating with federal immigration operations linked to a significant fraud case in Minnesota. His opposition grew stronger when he ordered ICE to vacate the city following enforcement activities that led to the shooting death of Renee Nicole Good.