Democrats Refuse DHS Funding Over ICE Reforms

Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego says Congressional Democrats will continue blocking DHS funding until changes are made to Trump-era immigration enforcement policies.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego says Congressional Democrats will continue refusing to fund the U.S. Department of Homeland Security unless reforms to Trump's immigration crackdown are adopted. Democrats have killed legislation to fund DHS ahead of a February 14 appropriations deadline, partially shutting down the agency and disrupting employee pay and services. Gallego criticized ICE's use of racial profiling, lack of transparency with local leaders, and high detention rates, saying reforms are needed to hold federal agents to the same standards as local law enforcement.

Why it matters

The funding fight over DHS highlights the ongoing tensions between Congressional Democrats and the Trump administration over immigration enforcement policies. Democrats are leveraging the DHS funding lapse to push for reforms like ending racial profiling, requiring warrants, and restricting enforcement at sensitive locations. However, the Trump administration has rejected these demands so far, leading to a political standoff.

The details

Congressional Democrats have killed legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security ahead of a February 14 appropriations deadline, partially shutting down the agency and disrupting employee pay and services like the Global Entry program. Democrats are refusing to approve DHS funding unless reforms are made to Trump-era immigration enforcement policies, including an end to racial profiling, the use of body cameras and warrants, and restrictions on enforcement at sensitive locations. However, the Trump administration has rejected these demands so far, leading to an ongoing political battle.

  • The DHS funding lapse occurred ahead of a February 14 appropriations deadline for the agency.
  • In January 2026, the number of people detained in ICE facilities nationwide reached an all-time high of 70,766.

The players

Ruben Gallego

A Democratic U.S. Senator from Arizona who is leading the push for DHS reforms in Congress.

Donald Trump

The former President whose immigration crackdown policies are the target of the Democratic reforms.

Kris Mayes

The Arizona Attorney General who has threatened to go to court to block a new ICE detention facility in Surprise, Arizona.

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What they’re saying

“We, of course, want DHS, TSA, FEMA to be funded. But funding an agency that is already funded at $175 billion — more than the Marine Corps — that killed two American citizens, that's engaging in racial profiling, that has horrible stories like a recent refugee that was dropped off five miles from his home in cold weather and died from exposure? We need to have guardrails, and we're not getting them right now.”

— Ruben Gallego, U.S. Senator (azmirror.com)

“In my opinion, when Americans voted for President Trump and Republicans, they were asking for immigration laws to be enforced against criminals, not against families, not against workers, not against people with American-born children.”

— Ruben Gallego, U.S. Senator (azmirror.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.