WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Democrats are threatening to block legislation that would fund the Department of Homeland Security and several other federal agencies, potentially leading the government closer to a partial shutdown. The standstill is triggered by demands for restrictions on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), specifically after the deaths of two protesters at the hands of federal agents in Minneapolis.
Democratic Senate leader Chuck Schumer has made it clear that before any votes are cast, ICE reforms must be enacted. He called for agents to stop using masks during operations, requiring them to identify themselves and obtain warrants for arrests. Without these assurances, Democrats are prepared to block a significant spending bill, which would prevent Republicans from mustering the necessary votes to keep the government running.
Schumer stated, 'The American people support law enforcement, they support border security, they do not support ICE terrorizing our streets and killing American citizens.'
Negotiations are ongoing, with the White House appearing open to discussions aimed at preventing a shutdown. One proposal on the table involves stripping funding for the Homeland Security Department from the larger spending package, allowing conversation for the remaining government funding.
The political landscape has changed since a previous shutdown ended when moderate Democrats sided with Republicans. Now, Democrats are aligned in opposition to what they view as extreme measures by the Trump administration in their immigration enforcement strategy.
Democrats have articulated clear demands for ICE to adhere to similar regulations as local police forces, including substantive accountability structures for agents. Lawmakers propose that all ICE activities should be under the same legal framework that governs local law enforcement agencies, including the implementation of body cameras and proper identification.
As the deadline for a government shutdown approaches, the path toward a resolution remains uncertain, with both sides of the aisle still far apart on a comprehensive agreement.
