Democrats on Capitol Hill are accusing Republicans of stepping back from attempts to resolve the partial government shutdown that began on February 14. They argue that withholding funding for other agencies connected to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) isn’t necessary due to the deadlock over funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, a Democrat from Rhode Island, believes this point has been made clear by their party.
“We’re ready to fund FEMA, TSA, the Coast Guard, and more, but we need to agree on their actions while ICE continues to misbehave. Republicans are effectively holding the remaining DHS workers hostage,” Whitehouse said, referring to the other agencies associated with DHS.
“That’s their responsibility,” he emphasized.
On the other side, Senator John Cornyn, a Republican from Texas, dismissed the idea that Democrats are genuinely trying to address the underlying issues.
“This is incredibly hypocritical because we’re already funding ICE,” Cornyn remarked, referencing funding approved through President Trump’s initiatives last year. “All they’re doing is hurting air travelers via TSA. They’re harming them without achieving their stated goals. It’s disgraceful,” he added.
Senator Rick Scott, a Republican from Florida, supported Cornyn’s view, insisting that the funding for the entire Department of Homeland Security should be prioritized.
“We have to fund the whole DHS. We can’t just single out parts that aren’t funded. That only makes our country less secure,” Scott stated.
The funding impasse has now extended into its second month, with no clear resolution regarding the operational reform requests from Democrats concerning ICE funding, which include measures like banning masks for ICE officers and enforcing stricter warrant requirements. This demand comes after two civilians tragically lost their lives during a standoff with immigration enforcement in Minnesota.
Senator Ed Markey from Massachusetts argued that it’s the Trump administration’s duty to ensure such incidents are less likely in the future. “President Trump has a responsibility to protect against corrupt government practices that could endanger citizens’ rights,” Markey said.
Without meeting these reform demands, Democrats argue there’s no pathway to advance ICE funding.
Senator Chris Coons, a Democrat from Delaware, expressed optimism, saying, “Honestly, we have straightforward solutions to ensure ICE and CBP adhere to the same standards as local law enforcement. There’s a shared understanding that we can move ahead.”
However, Republicans argue that these requests would undermine President Trump’s attempts to tackle illegal immigration.
It’s worth noting that Republicans cannot move their funding bill through the Senate without the support of at least seven Democrats. With 53 seats in the House, they require 60 votes to overcome a filibuster threat.
