Democrats Stand Firm Against Trump’s Immigration Policies as DHS Shutdown Approaches
WASHINGTON — As the deadline for funding approaches, Democrats are asserting their position in negotiations regarding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), driven by widespread discontent with the Trump administration's immigration policies.
With just days remaining before funding expires, prominent Senate Democrats are signaling their refusal to support another continuing resolution (CR) to avert a DHS shutdown this weekend.
“What ICE is doing is unconscionable, and it’s got to be reined in. I can’t, in good conscience, vote for it,” stated Sen. Angus King, I-Maine. His remarks reflect a significant shift; King previously sided with Republicans during a historic government shutdown over healthcare issues last fall. He emphasized that the current situation differs markedly, noting that “96% of the government is now funded.”
King elaborated, “If DHS isn’t funded, you’re talking about ICE and TSA and the Coast Guard and FEMA” facing shutdown. He expressed regret but underscored the different stakes involved compared to previous funding battles.
Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., who oversees funding bills for DHS, expressed skepticism about the likelihood of another short-term funding bill. “They don’t need another continuing resolution,” he asserted, urging Republicans to engage seriously in negotiations.
Murphy criticized the current state of ICE, stating, “I don’t think there’s a lot of interest in continuing to fund this agency that’s out of control — killing American citizens, tear-gassing elementary schools — without reform. People are going to get killed.”
Recent polling data reveals a significant decline in public support for ICE. An NPR/PBS/Marist poll indicated that only 34% of registered voters approve of ICE's performance, while 61% disapprove. Furthermore, 65% believe ICE has “gone too far,” marking an 11-point increase since June.
A Quinnipiac University poll conducted in early February found that 38% of voters approve of President Trump’s handling of immigration, contrasted with 59% who disapprove. Additionally, 63% expressed disapproval of ICE.
Trump himself acknowledged the shifting political landscape in a recent interview, suggesting that his administration may need “a softer touch” on immigration enforcement following violent incidents in Minnesota.
In response to public sentiment, Democrats have outlined ten demands aimed at reforming ICE and DHS practices, including requiring judicial warrants for property entry and mandating identification for agents.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., confirmed that Democratic leaders have shared legislative proposals with the White House and Republican leaders but remain uncertain about their reception.
“When I say that Democrats offer exceedingly reasonable proposals and have the support of the American people, I’m not exaggerating,” Schumer asserted on the Senate floor. He emphasized that these proposals align with standards already followed by most law enforcement agencies.
“Well, Republicans, the clock is ticking,” he warned.
Republicans hold some leverage as well; Trump’s previous funding bill allocated $75 billion to ICE, allowing many immigration functions to continue even during a shutdown.
A senior administration official indicated that all options remain on the table for negotiations. “Nothing has been ruled out. There are some items worth discussing and others that are more challenging,” the official noted, acknowledging that Democrats have engaged in “good faith” negotiations thus far.
The official also mentioned that it’s “possible” for Trump to engage directly in discussions but clarified that such a move has not yet occurred.
In preparation for a potential DHS shutdown, the White House is developing messaging strategies to attribute blame to Democrats for “taking critical services hostage.” The administration remains committed to bipartisan dialogue even if the funding deadline passes.
This engagement marks a departure from previous shutdowns over healthcare issues. A White House official cited various factors contributing to this change in approach.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., deferred responsibility to the White House for reaching an agreement with Democrats. He acknowledged ongoing discussions between the Trump administration and congressional Democrats regarding a path forward.
Despite these efforts, some Republicans express skepticism about reaching a consensus on funding DHS. “Most Republicans that I’ve talked to think that Chuck’s proposals are not very meritorious,” remarked Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., suggesting that a clean CR might ultimately be necessary to maintain current operations without significant changes.
