Progressive Democrats Issue Ultimatum Over ICE Funding Bill
The leader of Congress's progressive caucus has called for Democratic senators to demand substantial reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement before supporting a crucial spending bill, warning that Republicans would bear responsibility if the impasse triggers another government shutdown.
Five Non-Negotiable Demands
Texas congressman Greg Casar, who chairs the Congressional Progressive Caucus, outlined five essential requirements that must be included in the Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill before Democrats should vote in favour. These demands come amid heightened tensions following the recent killing of US citizen Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis, which has complicated delicate congressional negotiations.
Casar's five-point plan includes:
- A prohibition on federal agents wearing masks during operations
- The establishment of independent investigations into killings by federal agents
- Withdrawal of ICE and other agencies from Minneapolis
- A prohibition on arrests and deportations of US citizens and mass arrests
- An end to arrest quotas for federal agents
"We need to make sure that Democrats negotiate hard for real reforms," Casar stated in an interview. "These five items represent what everyday Americans – progressive, conservative, independent – could all agree on."
Senate Standoff Intensifies
The political confrontation has escalated as Senate Republicans moved to put the final six government funding bills up for a vote this week, directly challenging Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer's demand that the DHS appropriations measure be considered separately. The bill in question includes $10 billion for ICE operations, though this amount falls short of Republican requests.
Ryan Wrasse, spokesman for Senate majority leader John Thune, emphasised the urgency of the situation, stating: "A government shutdown, even a partial one, does not serve the American people well. Hopefully Senate Democrats, who are actively engaged in conversations, can find a path forward to join us before this week's funding deadline hits."
Impeachment Calls and Political Repercussions
The controversy has sparked calls for impeachment proceedings against Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, with Democratic congresswoman Robin Kelly proposing such action after federal agents killed another US citizen, Renee Good, in Minneapolis earlier this month. The resolution has gained 145 Democratic co-sponsors, with several joining following Pretti's death.
Casar, who supports impeaching Noem, argued: "There's millions of people across the country who want to honor the lives of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. We can't bring them back, but we can make sure that their deaths catalyze a moment that demands real change and stop to this flooding of our cities by ICE."
Democratic Divisions and Historical Precedent
The progressive caucus, representing approximately 100 House Democrats, has adopted an official position opposing DHS funding without specific immigration enforcement reforms. However, seven Democrats – mostly representing swing districts – voted for the DHS funding bill in the House last week.
New York congressman Tom Suozzi expressed regret for his support, stating on social media: "I failed to view the DHS funding vote as a referendum on the illegal and immoral conduct of ICE in Minneapolis. I hear the anger from my constituents, and I take responsibility for that."
The current standoff echoes last October's confrontation when Democrats refused to approve government funding unless tax credits for Affordable Care Act health plans were extended, resulting in the longest funding lapse in US history at 43 days.
Shutdown Implications and Enforcement Continuity
Should funding lapse after Friday's deadline, it would likely trigger a partial government shutdown affecting multiple departments. However, Republican staffers indicate that even during a funding lapse, ICE agents would be required to continue working, potentially drawing on funding approved last year as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Casar placed responsibility squarely on Republican leadership, stating: "The only reason there's a risk of a government shutdown is because John Thune and congressional Republicans want to take the country hostage in order to protect Trump's deportation machine."
The political calculus remains delicate in the Senate, where Republicans hold 53 seats, meaning any appropriations bills require bipartisan support to clear the chamber's 60-vote threshold. If Democrats maintain their position and Republicans keep the DHS bill combined with other spending measures, numerous departments face funding expiration after Friday.
