Dem Rep Himes demands ICE act like 'proper police' amid funding standoff: 'Fight is not won yet'
WASHINGTON, DC: Rep Jim Himes on Sunday, March 29, said the ongoing standoff over immigration enforcement and federal funding remains unresolved, emphasizing that reforms to the conduct of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are central to negotiations.
Speaking to CBS News, Himes described the situation as “very much live,” pointing to continued disagreements between lawmakers.
He framed the issue as one of legal standards and accountability rather than partisan demands. His remarks come as debates continue in Washington over agency conduct and funding priorities.
Jim Himes says ICE must meet 'basic adherence to the law'
Himes said the core Democratic position in the standoff is focused on ensuring ICE operates within established legal norms.
“Our position is very simple, we want ICE to act like the police force that they are, and that fight is not won yet,” he said. “We just want ICE to act like proper police officers.”
He argued that these demands are not extreme, describing them instead as fundamental expectations for law enforcement agencies.
“This is not ideological purity. This is basic adherence to the law,” Himes said, adding that officers should follow practices such as wearing identification and obtaining warrants before conducting searches.
Himes also referenced public concern over ICE operations, stating that many Americans view certain enforcement tactics as unacceptable.
He cited instances involving warrantless entries and the manner in which some operations have been conducted, suggesting these issues have driven calls for reform.
He said that while some enforcement changes have reportedly been discussed, lawmakers are seeking to formalize those standards through legislation. “If this is so easy, fine, let’s codify it into law,” Himes said, indicating a lack of trust in informal commitments.
Lawmaker says standoff persists despite funding disputes
Himes described the broader funding dispute as ongoing, pointing to divisions between the House and Senate over how to address ICE-related provisions.
“The standoff is not done yet,” he said, noting that legislative disagreements have prevented a resolution.
He also raised concerns about the handling of federal worker pay during the dispute, emphasizing that employees should not be affected by political gridlock.
“They should be paid. They should have never been held hostage,” Himes said, referencing ongoing debates about funding allocations.
At the same time, Himes acknowledged broader concerns about the use of government shutdowns as a legislative strategy.
He suggested that relying on funding lapses to force policy outcomes can disrupt essential services and impact workers across multiple agencies.
Looking ahead, Himes indicated openness to negotiations but maintained that ICE reforms remain a central condition.
“We’re ready to negotiate around something that is not a radical demand,” he said, reiterating that the goal is to align enforcement practices with established legal standards.
