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Senate Majority Leader Warns of DHS Shutdown as Immigration Reform Talks Stall
Senate Majority Leader John Thune issued a stark warning Thursday that the Department of Homeland Security could shut down next week if Democrats and Republicans fail to reach an agreement on a spending bill amid growing tensions over immigration enforcement policies.
“This is not a blank check situation where Republicans just do agree to a list of Democrat demands,” said Thune, R-S.D. “The only way to get reforms to ICE is to agree to a bill.”
The standoff comes after Congress separated the DHS funding from a larger spending measure last week, extending current funding levels for two weeks following the fatal shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti by a U.S. Border Patrol officer in Minneapolis on January 24. The temporary extension is set to expire on February 14.
Democratic leaders Senator Chuck Schumer and Representative Hakeem Jeffries released a list of ten detailed proposals for restraining what they describe as President Donald Trump’s “aggressive campaign of immigration enforcement.” Their demands include requiring judicial warrants for immigration arrests, better identification of DHS officers, new use-of-force standards, and an end to racial profiling.
“It’s about people’s basic rights, it’s about people’s safety,” Schumer said, expressing astonishment at Republican claims that the proposals are political or unworkable. “If Republicans do not like the ideas, they need to explain why.”
Democrats also want officers to remove masks during enforcement actions, improve coordination with local authorities, implement legal safeguards at detention centers, and prohibit tracking protesters with body-worn cameras. Additionally, they’re calling for clearer laws preventing officers from entering private property without judicial warrants and verification of non-citizenship status before detention.
Republican response to these demands has been largely dismissive. Wyoming Senator John Barrasso, the second-ranking Republican, called the proposals “radical and extreme” and a “far-left wish list.” Senator Katie Britt, who is involved in the negotiations, described the demands as a “ridiculous Christmas list” and emphasized that time is running out before the deadline.
“I encourage them to talk to the White House,” Britt said. “We only have one week left.”
Republicans have their own demands, including legislation requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration and restrictions on cities they believe aren’t doing enough to address illegal immigration.
If no agreement is reached, the consequences could be far-reaching. A DHS shutdown would affect not only Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection, but also essential agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
“There’s a very good chance we could see more travel problems,” Thune warned, referencing the disruptions caused by the 43-day government closure last year.
Some lawmakers are exploring alternatives to prevent critical services from being affected. Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina has suggested funding certain DHS agencies separately—such as the Coast Guard, TSA, and FEMA—while negotiations on immigration enforcement continue.
“Why not take that off the table?” Tillis asked, noting that his state needs FEMA funds for recent disaster recovery. “If it doesn’t look like they can get it done, I really think they should look at a la carte funding of agencies.”
While some Democrats have expressed support for this approach, Thune argued that separating ICE from the broader DHS appropriations bill would effectively “defund law enforcement.” ICE is expected to receive approximately $10 billion in the annual appropriations bill, a small portion of the over $175 billion allocated for homeland security under the administration’s deportation initiatives.
Senator Chris Murphy, D-Conn., placed the responsibility squarely on the Republican majority: “It’s up to Republicans to ensure the government doesn’t shut down because they are in charge. The American people want this abuse to stop.”
As the February 14 deadline approaches, negotiations remain at an impasse, with Thune acknowledging, “we aren’t anywhere close to having any sort of an agreement.”
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12 Comments
The clash over immigration enforcement policies is deeply concerning. While border security is vital, we must ensure that enforcement actions are carried out in a lawful and humane manner. I hope cooler heads prevail.
Absolutely. This is a complex issue that requires nuanced solutions, not political brinkmanship. I’m hopeful the parties can find a way forward.
The standoff over ICE policy is troubling. While border security is important, we must ensure that enforcement actions are carried out lawfully and without excessive force. Finding common ground is crucial.
I share your concerns. Maintaining the rule of law while upholding human rights should be the guiding principles in this debate.
This is a high-stakes political battle with significant consequences for the country. I hope the parties can move beyond partisan posturing and negotiate a pragmatic solution that addresses legitimate concerns on both sides.
Well said. A government shutdown would only worsen an already divisive situation. Compromise and statesmanship are needed now more than ever.
Immigration is a complex issue with valid concerns on both sides. I hope the parties can work together to find a solution that enhances security while respecting human rights and due process.
Agreed, a balanced, bipartisan approach is needed to address this critical issue. Avoiding a shutdown should be the priority.
The immigration debate has become increasingly polarized. While border security is important, we need humane solutions that uphold rule of law without compromising core American values.
Well said. This is an opportunity to demonstrate political leadership and find a path forward that works for everyone.
This is a complex political issue with valid concerns on both sides. I hope the parties can find common ground and avoid a government shutdown, which would only further divide the country.
Agreed, a shutdown benefits no one. Compromise and pragmatism are needed to address immigration in a balanced way.