Chuck Schumer calls DHS reform push ‘common sense’ as partial shutdown begins
WASHINGTON, DC: Chuck Schumer on Sunday, February 15, defended Democrats’ push to overhaul the Department of Homeland Security, calling the proposals “common sense” one day after the agency’s funding lapsed.
The expiration triggered a partial government shutdown focused on DHS operations. Democrats have tied new funding to changes in federal immigration enforcement policies, while Republicans have resisted those conditions.
Appearing on CNN’s State of the Union, Schumer said the proposed reforms reflect practices already common in local law enforcement agencies and are supported by voters.
Schumer defends ICE reform conditions
Schumer outlined the Democratic position on immigration enforcement oversight, calling for stricter transparency measures.
“We need masks off, we need cameras on and we need every police every Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer, to be identified,” Schumer said. “Jake, these are common sense proposals. They’re supported by the American people. Why won’t Republicans go for them? They don’t give any good answers. It’s something that every police department does across the country, but ICE is rogue, out of control,” he added.
The debate follows recent controversy surrounding the Department of Homeland Security and its immigration enforcement agencies, including ICE and Customs and Border Protection.
Public scrutiny intensified after two fatal shootings in Minneapolis involving federal immigration authorities. Last week, White House border official Tom Homan announced that immigration enforcement surge efforts in Minnesota would come to an end.
Democrats are seeking additional changes beyond identification requirements, including tighter judicial warrant standards for home arrests and restrictions on roving patrols. Sen John Fetterman was the only Democratic senator to vote to advance a yearlong DHS funding package last week.
“This shutdown literally has zero impact on ICE functionality. Country over party is refusing to hit the entire Department of Homeland Security. Democracy demands a way forward to reform ICE without damaging our critical national security agencies,” Fetterman wrote on X.
Limited DHS shutdown takes effect
A limited US government shutdown took effect Saturday, February 14, after negotiations between the White House and congressional Democrats failed to produce an agreement on immigration enforcement restrictions. The funding lapse applies specifically to the Department of Homeland Security and does not extend across the entire federal government.
Agencies affected include the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and roughly 13% of the federal civilian workforce falls under DHS. However, operations at US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection operations are expected to continue as they were funded under a prior budget measure.
Travelers could experience longer airport screening times as TSA employees work without new appropriations. If the shutdown persists, certain administrative functions and disaster response activities may face constraints, though officials say immediate widespread disruptions are not expected.
Lawmakers have departed Washington for a scheduled 10-day recess, making a near-term resolution unlikely. Republican leaders have said negotiations will continue and that members could be recalled if an agreement is reached.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized House Speaker Mike Johnson for adjourning Congress instead of continuing talks, stating, “We’ve drawn a hard line in the sand on behalf of the American people, and we’re not going to allow the Congress to cross it.” He added, “ICE needs to be dramatically reformed. Period. Full stop.”
