Democrats Seek ICE Reforms Before Backing Homeland Security Funding Bill

Democratic leaders in the House and Senate demand limits on ICE patrols, stricter oversight, and unmasked agents before backing Homeland Security spending bill.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) speaks during a press conference on Capitol Hill in Washington on Jan. 5, 2026. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times

Democrats are demanding changes to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as the Senate on Thursday failed to advance a government funding bill that includes money for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

In a floor speech prior to the vote, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) called the recent fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by federal agents in Minneapolis “a moral abomination” and said Congress has “the authority—and the moral obligation—to act” by tightening rules on ICE.