Sen. Angus King Opposes ICE Funding; Advocates Shutdown-Free Solution

Senator Angus King, an Independent from Maine, has firmly stated his opposition to government funding that includes Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). His remarks came during an appearance on “Face the Nation” as lawmakers hurried to pass crucial funding bills to avoid a partial government shutdown scheduled for this Friday.

Sen. Angus King Opposes ICE Funding

On January 30, the Senate faces a deadline to approve the remaining six appropriations bills. These bills are vital to keep government agencies functioning and to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees ICE. King emphasized his disapproval of ICE’s operations, referring to recent incidents in his state and mentioning a tragic shooting in Minneapolis linked to federal enforcement actions.

Concerns Over ICE Practices

• King highlighted his opposition to ICE funding due to reported abuse during enforcement operations.
• Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer echoed these sentiments, citing public concern over ICE’s conduct.
• Tensions rose after the recent police-related shooting of a 37-year-old man in Minneapolis.

Senator Schumer announced that Democrats will not support any funding package that contains ICE funding. He expressed urgency for reform, particularly in light of the tragic deaths of two individuals in Minneapolis allegedly at the hands of ICE.

Funding Package Breakdown

As of now, Congress has passed six of the twelve appropriations bills necessary for government funding. These bills have already been signed into law. The remaining bills include funding for the DHS, which is contentious among lawmakers.

Schumer’s call for bipartisan cooperation emphasizes the need for a reworked DHS bill. He urges Republicans to support the remaining funding legislation without linking it to ICE’s budget.

Proposed Solutions

In a pragmatic approach, King suggested that separating the DHS funding from other appropriations could alleviate the current standoff. He believes that passing the remaining five bills would effectively fund 96% of the federal government, allowing for a focused discussion on DHS’s future.

“This could lead to productive negotiations, ensuring accountability and transparency in ICE’s operations,” said King. His remarks underscore the need for a solutions-oriented approach to government funding and immigration reform.

The coming days will be critical as the Senate must navigate this complex political landscape while addressing the concerns surrounding ICE funding.