Democrats Urged to Hold Firm on ICE Reforms as Shutdown Deadline Nears
The leader of the Congressional Progressive Caucus has called on Senate Democrats to insist on substantial reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) before supporting a critical spending bill, with tensions escalating as a potential government shutdown looms this Friday. Greg Casar, a Texas congressman, outlined five "non-negotiable" demands in an interview, emphasising that Republicans would bear responsibility if the impasse leads to a funding lapse.
Key Demands and Political Standoff
Casar's proposals include banning federal agents from wearing masks, establishing independent investigations into killings by federal agents, and requiring ICE to withdraw from Minneapolis to prevent further operations in American cities. He also advocates for prohibitions on arrests and deportations of US citizens, mass arrests, and the elimination of arrest quotas for federal agents. "These five items are not an exhaustive list of reforms I seek, but they are measures every American should support, and we must push every Senate Democrat to fight for them," Casar stated.
The call comes in the wake of the killing of US citizen Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis, which has disrupted delicate congressional negotiations aimed at extending government funding beyond the current expiration date. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has indicated that Democrats will not advance the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding measure, which includes allocations for ICE, without significant revisions, though specific demands have not been detailed publicly.
Legislative Hurdles and Shutdown Risks
Senate Republicans are proceeding with votes on the final six government funding bills this week, including the DHS appropriations measure, despite Schumer's request to consider it separately. The DHS bill, which passed the House of Representatives by a narrow margin last week, funds agencies such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Transportation Security Administration, with $10 billion allocated to ICE—a figure below Republican requests.
Ryan Wrasse, a spokesman for Senate Majority Leader John Thune, emphasised the urgency of avoiding a shutdown, stating on social media that procedural steps are underway to advance the bipartisan House-passed bill. However, with the Senate requiring 60 votes for advancement and Republicans holding 53 seats, bipartisan support is essential. If Democrats maintain their opposition and Republicans keep the DHS bill bundled with other spending measures, a partial government shutdown could affect multiple departments after Friday.
Broader Implications and Political Reactions
Casar criticised Republicans for risking a shutdown to protect what he termed "Trump's deportation machine," noting bipartisan compromise on other agencies. Meanwhile, Democratic Congresswoman Robin Kelly has proposed impeaching Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem following the killing of another US citizen, Renee Good, in Minneapolis, with 145 Democratic co-sponsors supporting the resolution.
Reflecting on the Progressive Caucus's official stance against DHS funding without immigration enforcement reforms, Casar highlighted the caucus's influence as the second-largest ideological group among House Democrats, though only independent Bernie Sanders represents them in the Senate. Some Democrats, such as New York Congressman Tom Suozzi, have expressed regret for supporting the DHS bill, acknowledging constituent anger over ICE's actions in Minneapolis.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
This standoff echoes past funding disputes, such as the 43-day lapse in 2019 when Democrats demanded extensions for Affordable Care Act tax credits. Should funding lapse this time, it is unlikely to halt Donald Trump's mass deportation campaign, as ICE agents may continue working under contingency plans or using previously approved funds. The outcome hinges on whether Democrats can secure reforms or if Republicans will concede to avert a shutdown, with the deadline fast approaching and political stakes high for both parties.
