Lawmakers are struggling to reach a deal on funding for the Department of Homeland Security ahead of a Friday deadline, amid disputes over immigration enforcement reforms. A recent House hearing highlighted concerns about ICE practices, including use of force and identification requirements, but yielded little progress. Bipartisan talks continue, though a partial shutdown looms for agencies like the Coast Guard and TSA.
The Department of Homeland Security faces a potential funding lapse after Friday, February 13, following a continuing resolution that expires on that date. DHS funding was separated from a broader government spending package that funds most federal operations through September, due to disagreements over immigration policies under President Donald Trump.
In a House Homeland Security Committee hearing on Tuesday, acting ICE Director Todd Lyons and Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott testified amid questions about recent incidents, including the deaths of Renée Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, and the detention of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos. Democrats pressed for reforms such as body cameras, visible identification for agents, judicial warrants for home entries, and an end to masking. Lyons stated ICE has only 3,000 body cameras for 13,000 officers and refused to require agents to remove face coverings, citing doxing risks. Scott noted that half of CBP's 20,000 officers have body cameras but called for full funding to enhance transparency.
Some Republicans, like Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas, expressed concerns over 'roving patrols' in cities, suggesting they belong at the border. Rep. Mike Quigley, D-Ill., advocated dismantling ICE and rebuilding it, arguing reforms are insufficient after incidents of excessive force. He proposed alternatives like QR codes for agent identification to balance accountability and safety.
Negotiations remain tense. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized Republicans for not addressing ICE issues seriously and opposed a second continuing resolution. House Appropriations Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., suggested separating ICE and CBP funding, but Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso, R-Wyo., dismissed it as 'Not happening.' A White House counteroffer on Democratic demands was deemed 'incomplete and insufficient' by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Schumer.
ICE received substantial funding last summer via the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' to support Trump's deportation goals, shielding it from immediate shutdown impacts. However, other DHS components like the U.S. Coast Guard, FEMA, and TSA could face disruptions. Coast Guard Admiral Thomas Allan warned that a funding lapse would pose 'severe and lasting challenges' to workforce and operations, requiring non-essential missions to halt.
A Senate hearing is scheduled for Thursday, but bipartisan agreement appears distant, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune advising flexibility on weekend plans.
