Democratic lawmakers on Friday once again blocked a funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security, marking the fifth failed attempt to restore funding since the agency’s shutdown began in mid-February.
Democrats say they will not approve funding unless significant reforms are made to Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection, citing concerns over recent fatal encounters involving federal agents in Minneapolis.
The standoff follows the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, both killed by federal officers earlier this year during immigration enforcement operations that sparked protests and investigations.
Democrats are pushing for new requirements including body cameras for agents, judicial warrants for enforcement actions, and policies requiring officers to clearly identify themselves.
“Democrats have been very clear about what we are asking for since late January, and our demands have not changed,” said Patty Murray, the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, speaking on the Senate floor.
Despite the ongoing impasse, there are signs of potential movement. Tom Homan met with a bipartisan group of lawmakers on Capitol Hill Thursday to discuss possible paths forward. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said additional talks were expected later Friday.
For now, however, the funding dispute continues, leaving the Department of Homeland Security partially shut down as negotiations over immigration policy reforms remain unresolved.
