Trump demands ‘full and immediate restoration’ of DHS funds amid partial shutdown
WASHINGTON, D.C.: President Donald Trump asked for 'full and immediate restoration' of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) fund amid the partial shutdown since February 14.
The Republican leader blamed Democrats for the shutdown during his State of the Union address on Tuesday, February 24, evening, as he said, “As we speak, Democrats in this chamber have cut off all funding for the Department of Homeland Security. They have instituted another Democrat shutdown, the first one costing us 2 points on GDP.”
Trump further accused Democrats of closing 'the agency responsible for protecting Americans from terrorists and murderers.'
“Tonight, I am demanding the full and immediate restoration of all funding for the border security and homeland security of the United States, and also for helping people clean up their snow," he added.
DHS shutdown began after White House disagreed to Dems' demands regarding ICE
The shutdown began after the White House and Democrats in Congress did not agree on every term and condition put forth by the latter in a letter sent to Republican leadership in early February regarding the ICE crackdown.
The crackdown has received widespread criticism across the nation, especially after the killings of two American citizens — Renee Good and Alex Pretti — at the hands of the federal agents in Minneapolis. Good was fatally shot in early January, while Pretti lost his life on the morning of January 24 in South Minneapolis.
The letter demanded “targeted enforcement, no masks, stop of racial profiling, body cameras for accountability, not tracking” among many, as it also asserted that “federal immigration agents cannot continue to cause chaos in our cities while using taxpayer money that should be used to make life more affordable for working families.”
“The American people rightfully expect their elected representatives to take action to rein in ICE and ensure no more lives are lost,” the letter stated before adding, “These are common sense solutions that protect constitutional rights and ensure responsible law enforcement.”
The Trump administration accepted some conditions but disagreed with the unmasking of agents, ending random searches, and cracking down on warrant requirements.
