US Congress Pushes Back Against DHS Funding Without Reforms, Vowing To Block Bill Amid Ongoing Immigration Controversy
Progressive Democrats in the US Congress are taking a hard stance against funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) unless significant reforms to immigration enforcement are included. The move comes as tensions surrounding the killing of Renee Nicole Good, a 36-year-old woman shot and killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, continue to escalate.
The Congressional Progressive caucus has vowed to oppose any legislation that funds DHS without meaningful reforms, including provisions that would prevent ICE agents from wearing masks, require warrants for arrests, and end the use of private detention facilities. The opposition could complicate passage of the homeland security funding bill, which is still under negotiation between House and Senate appropriators.
The progressives' stance has been echoed by other Democrats, who are increasingly pushing back against what they see as the Trump administration's aggressive approach to immigration enforcement. On Tuesday evening, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Washington DC headquarters of Customs and Border Protection, with many calling for an end to funding DHS and ICE.
Critics argue that the agency's actions have led to a culture of impunity, with abuses documented in communities across the country. "We cannot and we should not continue to fund agencies that operate with impunity," said Ilhan Omar, deputy chair of the Congressional Progressive caucus.
The opposition from progressives could lead to a partial government shutdown if no agreement is reached by the end-of-the-month deadline. However, many Democrats are open to using other tools, such as impeachment proceedings, to hold accountable those responsible for alleged abuses within DHS.
As tensions continue to simmer, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are facing increasing pressure to take action on immigration reform. With the lives lost and communities affected by ICE's actions, it remains to be seen whether Democrats can find a way forward that prioritizes human rights and holds agencies accountable.
Progressive Democrats in the US Congress are taking a hard stance against funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) unless significant reforms to immigration enforcement are included. The move comes as tensions surrounding the killing of Renee Nicole Good, a 36-year-old woman shot and killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, continue to escalate.
The Congressional Progressive caucus has vowed to oppose any legislation that funds DHS without meaningful reforms, including provisions that would prevent ICE agents from wearing masks, require warrants for arrests, and end the use of private detention facilities. The opposition could complicate passage of the homeland security funding bill, which is still under negotiation between House and Senate appropriators.
The progressives' stance has been echoed by other Democrats, who are increasingly pushing back against what they see as the Trump administration's aggressive approach to immigration enforcement. On Tuesday evening, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Washington DC headquarters of Customs and Border Protection, with many calling for an end to funding DHS and ICE.
Critics argue that the agency's actions have led to a culture of impunity, with abuses documented in communities across the country. "We cannot and we should not continue to fund agencies that operate with impunity," said Ilhan Omar, deputy chair of the Congressional Progressive caucus.
The opposition from progressives could lead to a partial government shutdown if no agreement is reached by the end-of-the-month deadline. However, many Democrats are open to using other tools, such as impeachment proceedings, to hold accountable those responsible for alleged abuses within DHS.
As tensions continue to simmer, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are facing increasing pressure to take action on immigration reform. With the lives lost and communities affected by ICE's actions, it remains to be seen whether Democrats can find a way forward that prioritizes human rights and holds agencies accountable.
I gotta wonder if we're making progress or just spinning our wheels here. It feels like we've been talking about immigration reform for years now and still, we can't seem to agree on anything. 
The killing of Renee Nicole Good is a tragic reminder that our immigration system needs a serious overhaul.
Like, what's the point of even having a "Congressional Progressive caucus" if they're just gonna play politics and pretend like they care about actual change? It feels like a lot of people are just using this immigration thing to get votes or stir up controversy... 
that's like giving a ticking time bomb toICE and CBP... 
hundreds of protesters in DC, people are fed up... 
Ilhan Omar saying we can't fund agencies that operate with impunity... 
what's gonna happen if no agreement is reached? 
partial government shutdown? 
... if the progressives get their way, it could lead to a partial government shutdown, which would be devastating for all those affected by immigration issues 
. I'm not sure why they're making such a big deal about ICE agents wearing masks and private detention facilities though 
... can't we just focus on finding humane solutions to this crisis? 
. It's time for real change, not just empty promises 
.
but seriously, it's like they need reforms to even exist without being super problematic 
the whole ICE thing is just too much 
we don't have to choose between funding agencies or fixing the issues, right? 
what's the point of even having congress if they're not gonna hold those in power accountable? 
... I think its about time we talk about reforming our immigration system, its like, we cant just keep sweeping everything under the rug 
. We gotta acknowledge the struggles these people are facing and find a way to address it without resorting to more oppression 
. I mean, Renee's death was like, a wake-up call for us all 
... and Im willing to fight for it 
. And the worst part is, people are still getting hurt because of it 
... I mean, Renee Nicole Good's death was senseless, and to think that it might've been prevented if ICE agents were held accountable... *sigh* It's just so sad 
.
And what's up with the lack of transparency around ICE's actions? If they're gonna do something about reforming their own agency, at least have the decency to give us some real answers 
but at the same time we gotta be realistic too... if you wanna make change, sometimes u gotta put pressure on ppl to take action 
.
?
. I'm not saying it's gonna be easy, but someone's gotta try, right? 
. We need to find a way to balance security with human rights and I think reforms are a great place to start 
. I'm all about finding solutions that work for everyone, not just one group 
