US Congressional Progressives Vow to Block DHS Funding Unless Reforms are Enacted
A group of approximately 100 US Congress Democrats from the progressive caucus has threatened to block funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) unless significant reforms are enacted, specifically regarding immigration enforcement. This stance comes on the heels of a deadly shooting incident in Minneapolis last week where an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent fatally shot Renee Nicole Good.
The progressive caucus is demanding that provisions be included in the homeland security appropriations bill to prevent ICE agents from wearing masks during arrests, require warrants for their presence at detention facilities, and end the use of private detention centers. These measures aim to address widespread abuses by ICE agents who have been accused of conducting "militarized policing practices."
"We cannot and we should not continue to fund agencies that operate with impunity," said Ilhan Omar, deputy chair of the progressive caucus, during a press conference at the US Capitol. "We need meaningful reforms to end militarized policing practices and ensure that our law enforcement agencies uphold the very freedoms this country claims to uphold."
The opposition from the progressives could complicate passage of the homeland security funding bill, which is still under negotiation between House and Senate appropriators. This legislation typically passes with bipartisan support.
Several high-ranking Democrats have expressed support for these reforms, including top Democrat Hakeem Jeffries, who echoed Omar's demands at a Monday press conference. Democratic senators also joined hundreds of protesters outside the Washington DC headquarters of Customs and Border Protection on Tuesday evening, signaling their support for using the homeland security appropriations bill to force changes at ICE.
The administration has defended the killing of Good, with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accusing her of "an act of domestic terrorism." This has further escalated tensions between Democrats and Republicans over immigration policies.
A group of approximately 100 US Congress Democrats from the progressive caucus has threatened to block funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) unless significant reforms are enacted, specifically regarding immigration enforcement. This stance comes on the heels of a deadly shooting incident in Minneapolis last week where an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent fatally shot Renee Nicole Good.
The progressive caucus is demanding that provisions be included in the homeland security appropriations bill to prevent ICE agents from wearing masks during arrests, require warrants for their presence at detention facilities, and end the use of private detention centers. These measures aim to address widespread abuses by ICE agents who have been accused of conducting "militarized policing practices."
"We cannot and we should not continue to fund agencies that operate with impunity," said Ilhan Omar, deputy chair of the progressive caucus, during a press conference at the US Capitol. "We need meaningful reforms to end militarized policing practices and ensure that our law enforcement agencies uphold the very freedoms this country claims to uphold."
The opposition from the progressives could complicate passage of the homeland security funding bill, which is still under negotiation between House and Senate appropriators. This legislation typically passes with bipartisan support.
Several high-ranking Democrats have expressed support for these reforms, including top Democrat Hakeem Jeffries, who echoed Omar's demands at a Monday press conference. Democratic senators also joined hundreds of protesters outside the Washington DC headquarters of Customs and Border Protection on Tuesday evening, signaling their support for using the homeland security appropriations bill to force changes at ICE.
The administration has defended the killing of Good, with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accusing her of "an act of domestic terrorism." This has further escalated tensions between Democrats and Republicans over immigration policies.
this whole thing got me thinking - what does it say about a system when the people in charge have to resort to threats to get what they want? like, I'm not saying that the progressives don't have a point or anything, but can we really say that their methods are more pure than, say, the Republicans who just wanna keep everything status quo? 
meanwhile, we got an administration that's defending the killing of someone on the job, and still trying to spin it as some kind of domestic terrorism thing... like, what even is that? 
anyway, it just seems like a big ol' mess, and I don't know how anyone's gonna come out of this smelling like roses. 
. If these progressives are gonna block funding for DHS, at least they should be clear about why 
. It's not just about stopping militarized policing practices, it's about preventing ICE agents from getting away with abuse of power 
. We need real change, not just a bunch of empty promises 
. I'm all for reforming the system to ensure our law enforcement agencies are upholding human rights and freedoms 
. But let's not forget, this is also about protecting Renee Good's life 
. It's time for some serious accountability from the government 
.
. The fact that Democrats are standing up for her memory and demanding change is really admirable, though. I hope they're able to push through some reforms... it's the least we can do after something like this happens 
. I mean, come on, threatening to block funding for DHS unless some reforms are enacted? That's just gonna cause a whole mess of problems. Like, what's the point of having a bipartisan bill if you're just gonna try to railroad it through with your own agenda?
.
.
if they really want to make a change then they gotta take a stand and demand reforms for the sake of Renee Nicole Good's memory it's not right that these ICE agents can just do whatever they want and get away with it mask ban and warrants are basic human rights stuff 
But at the same time, you've got to wonder - are these Democrats being realistic about how far they can push the issue? 
It seems like we're seeing some pretty clear divisions on this one... 
- can't believe these politicians are using a tragic incident like Renee Nicole Good's death to play politics. It's like, come on guys, be serious for one second! 
.
.
It's like, come on guys! You're supposed to be working together to make our country better, not holding everything hostage.
I'm literally so proud of these congress reps!!! 
They're standing up for what's right and refusing to fund an agency that's been accused of, like, totally abusing its power? 
and the private detention centers? No way José 
And it's crazy that some people are still trying to deny that or make excuses for ICE's actions. 
. Those reforms they want? Absolutely necessary 
and I love her conviction. If the progressives can block funding for DHS unless these reforms are enacted, I'm all for it 
. It's time for some real accountability 
!
, this whole thing is like, so messed up 
It's not that hard to make reforms happen without threatening to block funding 
Can't they just agree on some basic human decency? 
and now the progressives are fighting for justice and reforms that's amazing!!! 
they deserve our support and solidarity 
these changes need to happen ASAP so no more innocent lives get lost, let's keep pushing for a better future 
. The fact that it's causing tension between Democrats and Republicans is a good sign - maybe we'll finally see some real change 
.