Democrats Continue To Stall
Democrats escalated their confrontation with Republicans on Wednesday, using the looming threat of a Department of Homeland Security shutdown to demand new restrictions on Immigration and Customs Enforcement ahead of a critical Feb. 13 funding deadline.
Without a deal, key homeland security agencies could face disruption, raising concerns about border security, disaster response, and aviation safety.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats will not support full-year DHS funding unless Congress agrees to tighter oversight of federal immigration enforcement.
Their proposals include mandatory body cameras for ICE agents, stricter warrant requirements, limits on agents covering their faces during operations, and new procedures for investigating alleged misconduct.
Why DHS Funding Is at Risk
The current standoff was set in motion earlier this week when Donald Trump signed a sweeping government funding package that keeps most federal agencies operating through September. However, funding for DHS was extended only through Feb. 13.
Lawmakers intentionally separated DHS from the broader spending bill after Democrats refused to approve long-term funding without additional conditions on immigration enforcement. The move created a narrow negotiating window and guaranteed another high-pressure vote centered on border policy.
As a result, Congress reopened most of the federal government while placing DHS under a short-term extension, increasing the risk of a targeted shutdown affecting immigration enforcement and national security operations.
Democrats Cite Enforcement Controversies
Democrats have linked their demands to public backlash over recent immigration enforcement actions, including incidents in Minneapolis that have drawn national attention.
Schumer argued that public confidence in federal law enforcement has been shaken, saying Americans are disturbed by images circulating online from immigration operations.
Jeffries said Democrats also want independent investigations when agents allegedly break the law, stricter use-of-force guidelines, and expanded limits on enforcement activities at so-called “sensitive locations,” including schools, hospitals, and houses of worship.
Additional proposals include visible identification requirements for agents and an end to certain mobile enforcement operations. Democrats have indicated they plan to formally introduce legislation outlining these conditions.
Republicans Warn Against Weakening Enforcement
Republicans have expressed limited openness to accountability measures but have strongly opposed changes they say would undermine immigration enforcement or put officers at greater risk.
House Speaker Mike Johnson warned that Republicans will not accept provisions that weaken federal immigration law or reduce enforcement effectiveness. He also cautioned that a DHS shutdown would disrupt critical agencies such as FEMA, the Transportation Security Administration, and the U.S. Coast Guard.
In the Senate, Majority Leader John Thune cast doubt on whether Congress can reach a deal before the deadline, noting that Democrats hold significant leverage in a closely divided Senate where most spending bills require 60 votes.
Enforcement Pullback Raises New Questions
Amid the funding impasse, the administration announced plans to reduce the number of federal immigration enforcement officers stationed in Minnesota by roughly 700 personnel—about a quarter of the deployment referenced in recent reports.
The move is intended to ease tensions while negotiations continue, but critics warn it could further strain enforcement efforts as the DHS funding deadline approaches.
