Democrats in Congress are pressing for major changes to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), sharply raising the risk of a government shutdown. Party leaders insist any funding deal with President Donald Trump must include reforms to federal immigration enforcement.
Inside the Capitol, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer unveiled the Democratic demands on Wednesday, with members refusing private White House discussions to avoid being split from their caucus. Many Democrats remain firm even as a partial government shutdown looms this Saturday, citing growing public frustration over aggressive ICE actions.
Senator Jacky Rosen of Nevada expressed her frustration with the administration. “I am just so sick of them ignoring it all because Donald Trump might give them a spanking,” she said.
The Democratic proposals include requiring ICE agents to wear body cameras, remove masks during operations, end roving patrols, tighten warrant requirements for searches and arrests, and follow a code of conduct aligned with state and local law enforcement force policies.
Democrats face a high-stakes balancing act, with two days remaining before a potential federal funding lapse. Leaders must craft demands that are achievable in negotiations while responding to public outrage over incidents such as the killing of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse who died after an encounter with federal agents in Minnesota.
Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts described the Democratic approach: “Democrats are asking for basically only two things. Stop the violence and have real accountability for those who break the law. This isn’t a moment to rewrite all of immigration law or criminal law generally.”
Within the caucus, Democrats are focused on a limited set of demands designed to make it impossible for Republicans to dismiss them amid public scrutiny. Hawaii Senator Brian Schatz said, “It’s been a long time since we’ve been this united. We are totally together and determined…nobody should mistake our willingness to negotiate for a lack of moral or political clarity.”
Schumer has proposed removing the Department of Homeland Security funding bill from a broader spending package. This would allow lawmakers to target ICE reforms while limiting the impact of a partial shutdown, but Republicans have resisted the move.
On Thursday, Senate Democrats are expected to filibuster the bipartisan funding package unless their demands are met, according to sources familiar with the strategy. Overcoming a filibuster requires 60 votes, but Democrats plan to withhold support until ICE reforms are included.
White House officials had attempted to meet with individual Democratic senators to discuss the looming shutdown, but party leaders blocked the session. A senior administration official told CNN, “The White House hopes to avoid another debilitating government shutdown and invited Democrats for a listening session…Unfortunately, their leadership blocked the meeting.”
Despite the risk of a protracted standoff, many Democrats, even those facing reelection, see a rare opportunity to impose meaningful reforms on DHS operations. Some compare it to previous bipartisan agreements, such as gun control measures, which were not perfect but still saved lives.
Senator Mark Warner of Virginia said, “It’s a moment. This is an agency that needs guardrails but it’s also a chance to show our ability to function.”
Some progressive Democrats are pushing for more expansive changes, including redirecting $75 billion away from ICE, but party leaders caution that these proposals are unrealistic and could hinder negotiations.
Republicans have also raised concerns about DHS leadership and recent incidents, including Pretti’s death. Senators Thom Tillis and Lisa Murkowski have called for Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem’s removal, while others question agency oversight and public statements.
Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky challenged claims regarding Pretti’s actions, stating that video evidence shows he retreated during the encounter.
Democrats insist leadership changes alone will not suffice. Virginia Senator Tim Kaine emphasized the need for comprehensive negotiations over ICE policies. The White House and GOP leaders have not formally responded, though outreach to Democrats indicates a willingness to discuss possible solutions.
Louisiana Senator John Kennedy noted, “The president clearly doesn’t want to shut down,” underscoring the high stakes as lawmakers navigate the standoff over immigration enforcement reforms and federal funding.
