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Senate fails to advance DHS funding bill
The US Senate did not secure enough votes on Thursday to move forward a bill funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), as Democrats pushed for stricter oversight of immigration enforcement. The procedural vote fell short of the required threshold, leaving the legislation stalled ahead of a midnight Saturday deadline.
Democrats demand reforms for ICE agents
Following the killings of two US citizens, Democrats have called for new restrictions on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Their proposals include banning agents from wearing masks and mandating the use of body cameras. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer described the measures as "common sense" reforms already practiced by local law enforcement.
"For weeks, we have been pushing common sense reforms, the very types of things that local sheriffs throughout America routinely follow. Democrats will not support a blank cheque for chaos."
Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader
Additional Democratic proposals
Beyond the mask ban and body cameras, Democrats are seeking to prohibit racial profiling, require judicial warrants for agents entering private property, and ban immigration enforcement at sensitive locations such as medical facilities, schools, churches, polling stations, and courts.
Republican opposition and key demands
Republicans have resisted many of the Democratic proposals, with some described as "non-starters" by Senate Majority Leader John Thune. A major sticking point is the Republican demand for a deal that would compel local and state police to cooperate with federal immigration officials.
The Trump administration recently announced plans to equip officers in Minneapolis with body cameras, with a nationwide rollout expected. However, negotiations remain deadlocked ahead of the funding deadline.
Impact of funding lapse
While ICE and other immigration enforcement agencies will continue operating due to prior funding allocations, other DHS sub-agencies face disruptions. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem warned that agencies like FEMA, responsible for disaster response, and the TSA, which handles airport security, will be hardest hit.
"Those officers that show up and check your bags, they screen individuals on if they are safe to get on aeroplanes or not, they won't be paid after Friday."
Kristi Noem, DHS Secretary
Noem also highlighted risks to cybersecurity funding, stating that the lack of funding leaves US infrastructure vulnerable to terrorist attacks.
Next steps
The Senate is currently on a week-long recess but could be recalled if a compromise is reached. The funding bill has already passed the Republican-controlled House of Representatives.
