The push among Senate Democrats to curtail funding for ICE has gained momentum in light of recent events, particularly following the tragic incident where ICE agents fatally shot an innocent individual, Alex Pretti, in Minneapolis. This incident has amplified calls from progressives, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, to block the budget bill that allocates funding for ICE.
The movement had already been underway when one of the Democrats who had previously voted to reopen the government publicly decried the recent actions of ICE. Senator Jackie Rosen (D-NV) articulated this sentiment succinctly:
The misconduct we are witnessing from ICE in Minneapolis and across the nation is fundamentally un-American and must not be normalized. While no one advocates for allowing criminals into our country, that is not the target of this administration’s focus. Instead, they are going after law-abiding immigrants who aspire to support their families and achieve the American Dream. They are targeting individuals who have asylum or other legal protections, as well as U.S. citizens who oppose their tactics—resulting in the tragic deaths of two Americans in Minneapolis in less than a month.
Enough is enough. We need to rein in ICE’s unchecked conduct.
As a member of the U.S. Senate, it is my duty to hold the Trump Administration accountable for any abuse of power, such as what we are currently witnessing from ICE. Therefore, I will vote against any government funding package that includes provisions for this agency until we implement necessary safeguards to prevent these abuses and ensure greater accountability and transparency.
The initial step towards reining in ICE involves passing legislation that empowers the courts to intervene when ICE or its agents violate the law.
Rosen’s stance is just the beginning, as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has confirmed that Democrats will not support funding for ICE in the upcoming budget discussions.
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