Democrats Seize Opportunity to Control ICE Now
In a significant moment for immigration policy, Democrats in Congress have the opportunity to reform the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency as they negotiate funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Both chambers of Congress are working toward a funding agreement before the January 30 deadline.
The urgency of the situation is heightened by recent events, particularly the tragic shooting of a woman in Minneapolis by an ICE agent, which has sparked protests and public outrage. This incident has stripped ICE of support and intensified scrutiny on its practices.
Democrats Seize Opportunity to Control ICE
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) has emphasized that the current political landscape offers Democrats an advantage. The party holds some leverage in the House, where Republicans are in control but vulnerable to Democratic unity during votes. In the Senate, bipartisan support is necessary for any funding bill to advance past a filibuster, which gives Democrats added negotiating power.
Potential Outcomes for DHS Funding
As Congress approaches the funding deadline, there are three possible courses of action:
- Pass a yearlong funding bill with some ICE reforms agreed upon by both parties.
- Implement a temporary spending bill, known as a continuing resolution, to maintain current funding levels without reforms.
- Choose not to fund DHS at all, a politically risky decision that could impact various agency operations, including those of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Transportation Security Administration.
The first option may offer the most potential for reforms, albeit minor ones. For instance, proposals have emerged from Democrats, suggesting measures like mandatory body cameras for ICE agents and de-escalation training.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the momentum, major reforms, such as abolishing ICE or ending qualified immunity for its agents, are unlikely to make it into any final legislation. GOP leaders, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), suggest a preference for continuing resolutions as feasible solutions.
While it’s important for Democrats to push for changes, they face the challenge of aligning proposals with Republican priorities. The landscape has shifted, with some Republicans expressing support for a yearlong funding bill to reaffirm their role in controlling government spending away from the Executive branch.
Looking Forward
Key Republican figures, such as Tom Cole (R-Okla.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine), have indicated a cautious optimism about passing a DHS funding bill. They acknowledge that while temporary measures might be simpler, a longer-term solution could pave the way for necessary oversight and reform in how ICE operates.
As negotiations unfold, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the future of ICE’s authority and the extent to which Democrats can influence its operations.
