Late on Monday night, democratic leaders indicated that the latest offer on the White House’s immigration policies on law enforcement or funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) does not sufficiently address their concerns, as negotiations seem to be stalled just days prior to a looming shutdown.
Both Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries opined that the counterproposal lacked concrete details and legislative language and termed it incomplete and insufficient. Schumer and Jeffries explained that they had expected the counterproposal to address the issues regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement, about which they felt everybody was concerned. The White House proposal has not been made public.
Democrats Demand New Restrictions on Immigration Enforcement
With government funding set to expire this Saturday, Democrats are seeking fundamental changes to immigration enforcement policies. In this case, their demands include warrants from a judge, enhanced policies regarding officers using force, officers carrying identification, and preventing racial profiling.
They say that such reforms are needed immediately, especially in light of the fatal shootings of two demonstrators last month by federal agents in Minneapolis, which has heightened scrutiny of how DHS functions. Mr. Schumer and Mr. Jeffries have stated that enforcement agencies have to undergo “dramatic changes,” before they would even consider supporting more funding for the DHS.
Republicans Express Cautious Optimism but Push Back on Reforms
Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated on Monday morning that “forward progress” was being made in the negotiations, referencing the fact that both sides had begun to offer proposals to the other party, which was a positive catalyst for the discussion.
However, there are still some doubts expressed by most Republican lawmakers. Some of the Republican lawmakers are pressing for the inclusion of new legislation in the DHS funding bill, which includes demands for proof of citizenship for new voters to be registered, as well as tougher sentencing for so-called “sanctuary cities.” At the same time, progressive Democrats say that they are going to vote against any new funding for the DHS unless immigration enforcement is drastically cut.
DHS Funding Negotiations Triggered by Separate Spending Deal
Congress is renegotiating funding for the DHS after President Donald Trump agreed to separate the department’s budget from a larger spending package that passed last week. That package extended funding for the DHS only until Feb. 13, leaving a narrow window for lawmakers to negotiate new restrictions.
That dispute escalated after the shootings of ICU nurse Alex Pretti and Renee Good by a U.S. Border Patrol officer and agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement in January fueled bipartisan debate about enforcement practices and accountability.
Trump has not publicly commented on the Democrats’ detailed requests, although White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration was willing to discuss some of the proposals but “outright rejected” others as unreasonable.
Detailed Democratic Reform Proposals
The Democrats recommends that immigration officers should be asked to not wear their masks, display identification, and better work with local law enforcement agencies. Also, there should be legal restrictions at detention centers, as well as restrictions on video recording of protesters with body cameras.
Other demands include ceasing arbitrary arrests, strengthening warrants, making warrantless trespassing on private property illegal, and ascertaining whether the apprehended individual is a U.S. citizen or not.
Republican Concerns Over Agent Safety and Political Motives
Republicans have signed off on some of the measures, like body-worn cameras for DHS officers, but are vigorously opposed to others. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said forcing agents to disclose their identity could put them and their families at risk for harassment and violence. Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., countered that Democrats were kowtowing to their progressive base and that such reforms would create new impediments for law enforcement to effectively do their jobs and protect national security.
Potential Fallout From a Homeland Security Shutdown
The bill that funds DHS operations also includes money for ICE and Border Patrol, but there are other offices at DHS that this bill funds, such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Transportation Security Administration.
He also warned that a shutdown could lead to travel disruptions, much like last year’s government shutdown, which lasted for 43 days. Members have considered a move to separate ICE/BP funding from other DHS agencies to avoid overall disruptions, but Senator Thune disagrees with this move and instead advocates for a short-term spending extension.
Political Standoff Continues as Deadline Approaches
Many Democrats are unwilling to support another temporary funding extension without concrete commitments to reform immigration enforcement. Republicans, however, may still secure enough Democratic votes if negotiations show progress.
“The ball is in the Republicans’ court,”
Jeffries said, underscoring the escalating political pressure as the shutdown deadline approaches.
