WASHINGTON (AP) — As a partial government shutdown looms by the end of this week, Democratic senators are pushing for urgent reforms to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policies following a series of violent incidents involving federal agents. Democratic leaders, including Chuck Schumer, are under pressure to lay out specific demands that could compel Republicans and the White House to negotiate.
With crucial votes scheduled for Thursday on funding legislation supporting the Department of Homeland Security and other government agencies, Democrats are discussing potential demands that include requiring federal agents to obtain warrants prior to immigration arrests and mandating that they identify themselves during operations. In response to recent events where federal agents fatally shot two individuals in Minneapolis, Democrats have vowed to block related spending bills unless their demands are considered.
“This madness, this terror must stop,” Schumer stated, emphasizing the need for immediate changes to ICE and U.S. Border Patrol.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has urged Democrats to clarify their demands, suggesting they should engage directly with the White House. Amid a chaotic legislative environment and no clear negotiations in sight, the chance of a partial shutdown starting Saturday appears increasingly likely.
Democrat Demands Under Consideration
As the GOP administration continues its aggressive immigration enforcement push, Democrats are focusing on several potential demands to reform the homeland security bill. Proposed changes include judicial warrants for arrests, identification requirements for immigration officers, cessation of arrest quotas, and enhancing cooperation with local authorities in investigations concerning recent fatalities involving federal agents.
Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy noted that among the possible reforms, ending “roving patrols,” which many Democrats argue instill fear in communities, could unify support within the caucus and among the public. Murphy stated, “None of this requires a new comprehensive piece of legislation.”
Schumer and Murphy insist that any proposed changes should be legislated by Congress, not merely promised by officials. “The public can’t trust the administration to do the right thing on its own,” Schumer emphasized.
However, Republicans have made it clear that any changes to the funding must pass through the House, which is unlikely given that the House is not in session this week. Senator John Cornyn mentioned, “We can have conversations about what additional oversight is required, but not at the expense of shutting down the government.”
Path to Compromise Uncertain
The Senate previously received six funding bills from the House, complicating any adjustments to the existing legislation as demanded by Democrats. Republican leaders had hoped to avoid another government shutdown, reminiscent of last fall's lengthy closure, as they navigate internal divisions and pushback from hardline factions within their party.
In a letter addressed to President Trump, members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus reaffirmed their support for ICE, illustrating the challenges of achieving bipartisan agreement on this issue. “This package will not come back through the House without funding for the Department of Homeland Security,” they stated firmly.
Continuing to assert their position, Democrats, including Senator Richard Blumenthal, have pledged not to relent, expressing the moral imperative for reforms. “It is truly a moral moment,” he declared. As discussions unfold, the deadline edges closer, with potential consequences for millions dependent on government services.
