On February 11th, Chuck Schumer, the Democratic leader of the U.S. Senate, stated that the Democratic Party would not support a continuing resolution (CR) to maintain funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Despite the funding uncertainty, ICE agents are still on the front lines apprehending criminal elements among illegal immigrants.
In a post on his social media account on the morning of February 11th, Schumer expressed concern about the impending potential shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), emphasizing the need for a solution that would address ICE’s practices and prevent violence, rather than simply continuing the status quo.
Previously, government agencies had been funded through September 30th for the fiscal year, with DHS funding separated and only passed through a two-week CR set to expire on February 13th (Friday). Congress must pass a continuing resolution before February 13th to avoid a shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security.
Schumer’s remarks contradicted his statement from the previous day when he had indicated that a deal with the White House representatives should be achievable to keep federal agencies operational.
The Democratic Party’s demands, including the requirement for ICE officials to obtain search warrants before entering residences, ending mobile patrols, and ceasing the wearing of masks, have been deemed “unworkable” by Republican senators.
A senior Republican senator, speaking on condition of anonymity regarding this week’s planned short-term extension of funding for the Department of Homeland Security, suggested that it might not receive enough votes to pass.
Majority Leader John Thune had previously stated that efforts to negotiate with Schumer and other Democratic leaders had been met with silence, leading Republicans to believe that Democrats were not genuinely interested in substantive negotiations. Thune also noted that the Democratic Party’s demands had escalated from three to ten points, indicating a lack of seriousness in their approach.
If an agreement is not reached by midnight on February 13th, the Department of Homeland Security’s border patrol, customs, TSA airport security, and other departments could face another funding interruption, although essential personnel would still be required to work but might experience delays in receiving pay.
Despite the funding uncertainties, ICE agents continue working on the front lines to remove criminal elements among illegal immigrants in American communities. ICE’s recent press release on February 10th highlighted their recent enforcement activities.
Tricia McLaughlin, the Assistant Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, stated in the press release, “Law enforcement officers arrested illegal immigrant criminals including child predators, rapists, and violent offenders across the country. These individuals, who pose a threat to public safety, are often released back into our communities due to sanctuary policies.”
She clarified that ICE focuses on individuals who threaten public safety, with nearly 70% of ICE arrests involving illegal immigrants accused or convicted of crimes in the United States. ICE provided details of five arrests of serious offenders on February 9th, including Daniel Pineda-Velasquez from Guatemala who was convicted of sexual assault, rape, and other crimes in Maryland, and Josue Salvador Portillo-Henriquez from El Salvador convicted of rape in Baltimore County, Maryland.