Lawmakers in Washington are stuck in a big fight over how to control the nation’s immigration enforcement. The clock is running, and they need a deal soon to keep the Department of Homeland Security funded.
Last week, Congress reopened the government after a short shutdown. Most agencies are funded through September, but DHS only got a small patch that lasts until February 13. Lawmakers wanted more time to talk about new rules for ICE and Border Patrol after two deadly shootings by federal agents in Minneapolis.
So far, both sides look far apart.
Senate Democrats gave Republicans a draft plan for DHS funding. Their plan has several demands. They want ICE agents to stop wearing masks, to show ID, and to use body cameras. They want agents to stay off private property unless they have a judge’s warrant. They also want agents to confirm someone is not a US citizen before detaining them. Republicans say these ideas are unrealistic.
On CNN, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said they have not heard back from Republicans or the White House. Jeffries said the choice is clear. Either Republicans agree to strong changes in how ICE works, or the country will face a shutdown of the Coast Guard, FEMA and TSA.
If no deal is reached by February 14, DHS funding will run out. Shutdown plans would start. Immigration operations would still continue because ICE and CBP got extra money last year, but other DHS parts would stop.
Jeffries said they need real law changes in the DHS bill. He called the ideas common sense reforms, like body cameras and clear warrant rules.
Some Republicans say they can accept a few of the ideas, such as body cameras or ending some patrols. But they do not agree with many of the other demands.
Texas Republican Tony Gonzales said Democrats are now trying to hold the country hostage. He said the final deal cannot include amnesty or rules that take away protections from officers. He also said officers should be allowed to wear masks if rioters can wear masks.
Gonzales strongly opposed the rule that agents must get a judge’s warrant. He said administrative warrants work fine and keep communities safe. He asked why anyone would want to limit law enforcement.
He did agree that communication could be better. He said ICE should have community liaisons who pass information from local leaders to the agency and back.
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