Democrats Distancing from DHS After Funding ICE
Recent actions by several Democratic representatives regarding a funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have sparked significant backlash. Seven Democrats supported a bill that allocated funds to DHS, which included financing for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Among them, Representative Tom Suozzi of New York has publicly expressed regret for his decision.
Democrats Distancing from DHS Funding
In a statement to his constituents, Suozzi admitted he had “failed” by not considering the implications of funding ICE amid the Trump administration’s immigration policies. His comments came after the shooting death of Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a nurse, by a federal agent in Minneapolis.
Recent Shootings Raise Concerns
Pretti’s death marked the second fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen in Minneapolis this month, following the killing of Renee Good by an ICE agent. These incidents have escalated tensions and prompted many Democrats to rethink their support for ICE funding.
Refusal to Fund Without Restrictions
- After the shooting of Good, several congressional Democrats stated that funding for ICE should come with stringent restrictions.
- Despite this, Suozzi and six other Democrats voted in favor of the funding bill in a tight 220 to 207 vote, which was crucial for its passage.
Shifting Political Stances
In the wake of this controversy, Senate Democrats initially planned to support the funding measure within a larger spending package. However, they have now reversed this position, prioritizing government shutdown over enabling more funding for ICE.
Responses from Other Democratic Representatives
Other Democrats who voted for the bill have tried to shift the focus. Representative Vicente Gonzalez of Texas stated that his vote aimed to secure funding for agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Coast Guard, rather than for ICE.
- Gonzalez emphasized accountability for federal agencies, advocating for smart and thoughtful oversight.
- Representative Laura Gillen of New York called for the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, citing the need for change.
- Gillen framed her support for the bill as necessary for disaster relief and security, mentioning proposed regulations for ICE.
Calls for Accountability
Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington criticized the shootings, labeling them as “un-American.” She joined calls for Noem’s resignation but did not reference her vote supporting the funding.
The other Democrats who aided in passing the bill included Representatives Henry Cuellar of Texas, Jared Golden of Maine, and Don Davis of North Carolina. Their offices have yet to respond to queries regarding their votes.
This situation highlights the growing divide within the Democratic Party over the handling of immigration enforcement and the moral complexities associated with funding agencies like ICE. As the debate continues, many leaders are reconsidering their stances to align more closely with their constituents’ evolving sentiments.
