House Democrats Seek to Force Vote on Homeland Security Funding That Excludes ICE, CBP

Democrats launched a discharge petition to reopen DHS without funding ICE or CBP, a move that Republicans said amounts to defunding border enforcement.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) speaks at a Capitol steps press conference alongside House Democrats on March 18, 2026. Courtesy of Minority Leader's Office

House Democrats are trying to force a floor vote on a bill that would fund Transportation Security Administration agents and other non-immigration agencies within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)—without providing money for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or the Customs and Border Protection.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) announced a discharge petition on Wednesday on the Capitol steps, calling on a handful of House Republicans to break with their party and sign it.