Shutdown Looms as Democrats Demand ICE Reforms

With government funding set to expire on Saturday, a partial government shutdown appears increasingly possible as Democrats in the Senate are calling for changes to legislation funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The demands come in the wake of the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis by a federal immigration agent.

Democratic Demands

Senate Democrats are seeking to overhaul U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer stated the party has coalesced around three legislative objectives:

• Tighter warrant requirements for ICE, including coordination with state and local law enforcement
• A uniform code of conduct for agents with independent investigations into violations
• A requirement that agents wear body cameras and visible identification, and a ban on masks

Other proposals include ending arrest quotas, eliminating the directive that allows agents to enter homes without a warrant, and requiring consent from state and local officials to conduct raids. Senator Tammy Duckworth has proposed an amendment mandating the DHS inspector general to investigate all use-of-force incidents since January 20, 2025.

Political Positions

Democrats are firm that they will block any funding bill unless Republicans agree to either remove DHS funding from a larger appropriations package or include new measures to rein in the agency. Schumer has requested that Republicans separate the Homeland Security bill to avoid a broader shutdown. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has indicated he prefers to keep the package intact but is open to considering separating the DHS bill.

Possible Outcomes

Unless a deal is reached, most of the federal government will shut down on Saturday.

Funding Details

The existing funding package would allocate $64.4 billion to DHS, including $10 billion for ICE, which is similar to existing funding levels. It already incorporates some restrictions on the agency, such as a decrease in detention beds, reduced funding for Border Patrol and ICE's enforcement and removal operations, and $20 million for body cameras.