Democratic Leaders Voice Frustration Over ICE Reform Negotiation Chaos
Senate Democrats are pushing for a funding agreement with Republicans for the Department of Homeland Security that would impose new restrictions on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). However, they first need to identify who is leading the negotiations on the Republican side, amid confusion over whether the White House or Senate Republicans are in charge.
Schumer Calls for Unity in Negotiating Partners
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed his concerns during a briefing on Capitol Hill, stating, "We have different people going in different directions." He emphasized the need for Republicans to "get their act together" and clearly designate a point person for discussions. Schumer and Patty Murray, the top Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, are prepared to negotiate but lack clarity on their counterparts.
Republican Leadership Roles Under Scrutiny
On the Republican side, Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Susan Collins or Alabama Senator Katie Britt, who leads the Appropriations subcommittee on Homeland Security, are expected to take the lead. However, Britt's Democratic counterpart, Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut, reported confusion, noting that Senate Majority Leader John Thune initially directed them to the White House before changing course. Murphy stated, "Now he's saying talk to somebody else. We'll negotiate with anybody." Despite submitting a proposal to rein in ICE, Murphy's staff has received no response from Britt's team.
Democratic Demands and Republican Pushback
Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries recently outlined their demands in a letter, which includes:
- Ending roving ICE patrols in cities like Minneapolis
- Requiring judicial warrants for ICE agents
- Removing masks for ICE agents
- Implementing body cameras and use-of-force guidelines
- Allowing lawsuits against agents and establishing independent oversight
Collins accused Schumer of expanding his demands from previous weeks, while Britt criticized the list on social media as "a ridiculous Christmas list of demands for the press," alleging Democrats are playing politics. Other Republicans, such as Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, avoided commenting, citing media interference in negotiations.
Negotiation Challenges and Funding Complexities
Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego of Arizona, who collaborated with Britt on the Laken Riley Act, expressed skepticism about the talks, urging Republicans to meet basic public demands. The negotiations are complicated by a two-week funding extension for Homeland Security, which also oversees agencies like FEMA, the Coast Guard, TSA, and the Secret Service. Additionally, ICE has $75 billion in pre-funding from previous legislation, adding to the stakes. Without clear leadership and agreement on participants, the talks risk stalling before they begin.
