Democrats' ICE Opposition Shutdown Echoes 'Defund the Police' 2.0

Congressional Democrats' demands to reform ICE and CBP operations could endanger agents and hamper federal immigration enforcement.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Congressional Democrats are threatening to withhold funding for the Department of Homeland Security unless Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) adopt certain 'reforms.' These demands include requiring agents to wear body cameras, display their agencies and ID numbers, and get approval from local governments for 'large-scale operations.' The author argues these proposals would endanger ICE and CBP agents and undermine federal immigration enforcement, similar to the 'defund the police' movement.

Why it matters

The author contends that the Democrats' demands echo the 'defund the police' rhetoric, where politicians joined the movement but backed down when it came to actually reducing police funding. Similarly, the author believes the Democrats' ICE proposals, if implemented, would put federal agents at risk and prevent them from effectively enforcing immigration laws.

The details

The Democrats' demands include requiring ICE and CBP agents to use body cameras, display their agencies and ID numbers, and get approval from local governments for 'large-scale operations.' The author argues these proposals are 'poison pills' - the body camera requirement is reasonable, but unmasking agents would expose them and their families to threats from left-wing groups that have already doxed ICE agents. The local government approval requirement would also undermine federal control over immigration enforcement, which is a federal responsibility.

  • Earlier this month, Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries sent a letter to Republican leadership demanding the ICE and CBP reforms.
  • The author cites recent Homeland Security Department data showing a 13,000% increase in attacks on ICE agents, a 3,300% rise in vehicle attacks, and an 8,000% increase in death threats.

The players

Charles E. Schumer

Senate Minority Leader who, along with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, sent a letter demanding ICE and CBP reforms.

Hakeem Jeffries

House Minority Leader who, along with Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, sent a letter demanding ICE and CBP reforms.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

A federal law enforcement agency under the Department of Homeland Security that is responsible for enforcing immigration laws within the United States.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

A federal law enforcement agency under the Department of Homeland Security that is responsible for protecting the United States' borders and facilitating lawful international trade and travel.

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What they’re saying

“If they get everything they want, then U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents will be put in more danger while doing their jobs, sanctuary cities will have an operational veto on federal immigration enforcement, and illegal aliens will once again roam free within U.S. borders.”

— James Fitzpatrick, U.S. Army veteran, former appointee in the Trump 45 administration, and director of the Center to Advance Security in America

“Messrs. Jeffries and Schumer have adopted this rhetoric. Their letter claimed that ICE had 'terrorized communities across the country'.”

— James Fitzpatrick, U.S. Army veteran, former appointee in the Trump 45 administration, and director of the Center to Advance Security in America

The takeaway

The author argues that the Democrats' demands to reform ICE and CBP operations, if implemented, would endanger federal agents and undermine their ability to enforce immigration laws, similar to how the 'defund the police' movement sought to weaken law enforcement. The author believes these proposals should be rejected, as federal immigration enforcement must continue.