WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic leaders have rejected a proposal from the White House as “incomplete and insufficient” in ongoing negotiations over restrictions on President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. The rejection raises the possibility of a shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Demands and Counterproposals
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries stated Tuesday that the Republican counterproposal to their weekend list of demands lacked detail and legislative text, and failed to address concerns regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) conduct. A shutdown of DHS is threatening to begin Saturday if an agreement is not reached.
Democrats are demanding judicial warrants for certain actions, better identification of DHS officers, new employ-of-force standards, and a stop to racial profiling. These demands followed the fatal shootings of ICU nurse Alex Pretti on January 24 and Renee Great on January 7 by federal agents in Minneapolis.
“We simply want ICE to follow the same standards that most law enforcement agencies across America already follow,” Schumer said Tuesday. “Democrats await the next answer from our Republican counterparts.”
Negotiations and Skepticism
Despite the current impasse, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., expressed optimism Monday about negotiations with the White House, noting “forward progress” and the exchange of proposals. However, he acknowledged that reaching an agreement on immigration enforcement would be difficult, as rank-and-file lawmakers in both parties are skeptical.
Democrats want immigration officers to remove their masks, demonstrate identification, and better coordinate with local authorities. They also seek stricter use-of-force policies, legal safeguards at detention centers, and a prohibition on tracking protesters with body-worn cameras. They also propose ending indiscriminate arrests, improving warrant procedures, and verifying citizenship before detention.
Republican Opposition
Jeffries stated that the White House offer “walked away from” proposals for better identification of ICE agents, more judicial warrants, and a prohibition on excessive use of force, as well as an end to racial or ethnic profiling. Republican lawmakers, including Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin, have pushed back against these demands, rejecting requirements for judicial warrants and visible identification.
Republicans argue that ICE agents should be allowed to wear masks due to increased targeting. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., emphasized the need for “reasonable and achievable” solutions.
Potential Shutdown and Next Steps
Congress is renegotiating the DHS spending bill after Trump agreed to separate it from a larger spending measure. The current funding extends only through Feb. 13. While Trump has not publicly responded to the Democrats’ specific requests, the White House indicated willingness to discuss some items but deemed others “nonstarters.” A shutdown could impact agencies including ICE, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Transportation Security Administration, potentially leading to travel disruptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is at stake if a deal isn’t reached?
A shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security is threatening to begin Saturday, which could lead to travel problems similar to the 43-day government closure last year.
What are Democrats demanding from the White House?
Democrats are demanding new restrictions on ICE, including a requirement for judicial warrants, better identification of DHS officers, new use-of-force standards, and a stop to racial profiling.
What is the Republican response to the Democrats’ demands?
Republicans have pushed back against the Democrats’ demands, rejecting requirements for judicial warrants and visible identification for ICE agents, arguing they need to be able to operate discreetly for safety reasons.
As negotiations continue, will Democrats and Republicans be able to find common ground on immigration enforcement and avert a potential shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security?
