UPDATE: In a shocking refusal, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have dismissed growing Democratic calls to defund the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), following the tragic killing of Renee Good by a federal immigration officer in Minneapolis earlier this week. As Congress faces a January 30 deadline to approve government spending, progressive lawmakers are urging the party to leverage this moment to rein in ICE’s funding amid escalating violence.
The situation is urgent. Just this week, ICE agents have shot 11 civilians in cars within the last four months, igniting public outrage and calls for accountability. “I just don’t understand how we provide votes for a bill that funds the extent of the depravity,” said Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) during an interview with CNN, highlighting the growing dissatisfaction with ICE’s actions.
Despite the rising discontent, both Schumer and Jeffries have shown little inclination to act. Instead, they focus on passing other appropriations bills, sidelining the pressing concerns about ICE’s funding. Jeffries stated, “We’ll figure out the accountability mechanisms at the appropriate time,” indicating a lack of immediate action. Critics are quick to point out that delaying accountability only exacerbates the agency’s unchecked power.
As the deadline approaches, several lawmakers, including Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.), argue that now is the right time to impose limits on ICE’s budget, which is projected to soar to $170 billion. “Statements and letters are not enough,” Ramirez asserted to Axios. “The appropriations process is our opportunity.” Public disapproval of ICE has reached an all-time high, fueling demands for change.
In stark contrast to the demands from progressives, Schumer only expressed that he has “lots of problems with ICE” but failed to commit to any significant funding cuts. This reluctance is drawing fire from within the party, as progressive leaders like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez call for urgent action. “We can’t just keep authorizing money for these illegal killers,” Jayapal remarked, describing ICE as a “rogue force” that must be held accountable.
Calls for Schumer’s removal from leadership are growing louder, with commentators urging Democrats to take a stand against the agency. “Change the news cycle and show that you’ll be an opposition party,” said Emma Vigeland on The Majority Report. The implications of this situation stretch beyond party lines; it raises critical questions about the role of ICE in American communities and the ethical responsibilities of lawmakers.
The clock is ticking as Congress prepares for a showdown over the budget. With public sentiment increasingly against ICE and a history of bipartisan complicity in its funding, the urgency for Democrats to act has never been greater. The upcoming days will be pivotal as lawmakers continue to grapple with the consequences of their decisions on national security, civil rights, and community safety.
Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds. The implications of congressional actions could have lasting effects on immigrant communities and law enforcement practices across the United States.
