- DHS officials warned of security risks if Congress failed to pass a funding bill before the Feb. 13 deadline, saying a shutdown would disrupt operations and affect thousands of federal employees.
- ICE and CBP leaders said defunding would weaken national security, with Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons warning it would hinder efforts against transnational crime and terrorism, and CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott saying America would be "less safe."
- Democrats are conditioning support for the funding bill on migration enforcement reforms, citing recent ICE operations in Minneapolis that sparked protests and left two protesters dead.
- Proposed Democratic reforms include stricter use-of-force standards, clearer officer identification, judicial warrants, anti-profiling measures, body cameras and banning face coverings for ICE agents.
- Republicans stress the operational impact of a shutdown on agencies like TSA and CISA, while signaling limited openness to compromise on ICE patrol tactics, though both parties remain skeptical about reaching a deal before the deadline.
Senior Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials told lawmakers on Tuesday, Feb. 10, that a failure to pass a funding bill before the Feb. 13 deadline would jeopardize national security and disrupt the work of thousands of federal employees.
According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, the funding bill for DHS is essential for maintaining the operational capabilities of the agency, ensuring it can effectively carry out its mission of safeguarding the nation.
During a congressional committee on Tuesday, Todd Lyons, acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), said defunding the agency would significantly hinder its ability to combat transnational crime and terrorism.
"It will have a great impact, especially on the Homeland Security Task Forces and the men and women that are focused on the transnational crime and foreign terrorist organizations," Lyons said. He warned that officers in the field would struggle to fulfill their mission of protecting the U.S. if DHS operations are curtailed.
Rodney Scott, commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), echoed those concerns, adding that ongoing political disputes over immigration enforcement are affecting morale among frontline personnel. "I would agree America becomes less safe," Scott told lawmakers, saying that the politicization of law enforcement undermines officers' confidence and effectiveness.
Democrats demand ICE reforms ahead of shutdown deadline
The hearing comes as Republicans and Democrats negotiate a DHS funding package ahead of the looming shutdown deadline.
Democrats have pushed for changes to immigration enforcement policies as a condition of supporting the bill, citing recent ICE operations in Minneapolis that sparked protests, some of which turned violent. Two protesters were shot and killed during those operations. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said reforms are necessary before Democrats will support additional funding.
"Our position has been clear: Dramatic changes are needed at the Department of Homeland Security before a DHS funding bill moves forward," Jeffries said at a Feb. 9 press conference. Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.) even pressed for additional reforms, including requiring ICE agents to remove face coverings during operations, during the hearing.
Among Democratic proposals are stricter use-of-force standards, clearer identification requirements for DHS officers, judicial warrants for certain enforcement actions and measures to prevent alleged racial profiling. Lawmakers have also renewed calls for ICE agents to wear body cameras.
Meanwhile, Republicans have emphasized the operational impact a shutdown would have on agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Some even suggested there may be room for compromise, particularly regarding so-called roving ICE patrols in major cities.
Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) said such patrols "should be done at the border rather than in the major cities of the United States." Rep. August Pfluger (R-Texas), who chairs the Republican Study Committee, said the issue is "up for discussion" as negotiations continue between lawmakers and the White House.
Despite ongoing talks, both parties signaled skepticism about reaching an agreement before the Feb. 13 deadline. Pfluger said negotiations remain difficult, adding, "Until the other side proves me wrong … we're going to be in a tough spot." Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) described the latest Republican counterproposal as "incomplete and insufficient," citing a lack of detailed legislative text.
Watch this Jan. 29 episode of "Brighteon Broadcast News" as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, talks about Trump's aggressive immigration raids.
This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.
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