Dem Rep. Defends Keeping DHS Shut Down Despite Threats

Rep. Friedman says ICE's focus is not on the right place

Mar. 13, 2026 at 10:50am

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In an interview on CNN, Rep. Laura Friedman (D-CA) defended continuing the shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) despite heightened security threats, arguing that the focus of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol is not on the right priorities.

Why it matters

The ongoing DHS shutdown has raised concerns about the government's ability to respond to potential security threats, particularly amid tensions with Iran and other global hotspots. Friedman's comments suggest a partisan divide over the role and priorities of immigration enforcement agencies like ICE.

The details

Friedman stated that while the FBI has warned of potential drone attacks from Iran against California, Congress has not been properly briefed on security threats. She argued that ICE and Border Patrol are overfunded and focused on 'random immigrants' rather than genuine threats to the homeland. Friedman believes the agencies' priorities are misplaced at a time of heightened security concerns.

  • The DHS shutdown has been ongoing since early 2026.

The players

Rep. Laura Friedman

A Democratic Congresswoman from California who is defending the continued shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security.

Elex Michaelson

The host of CNN's 'The Story Is' who interviewed Rep. Friedman.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws, which Rep. Friedman argues is not properly focused.

U.S. Border Patrol

The federal law enforcement agency responsible for securing U.S. borders, which Rep. Friedman argues is not properly focused.

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What they’re saying

“Not that I'm aware of. And several of us in Los Angeles have asked to be briefed because we heard this vague announcement from the FBI that there [are] threats of drone attacks from Iran against California. So, the FBI put that out, out into the public, didn't brief Congress, and now is sort of walking it all back.”

— Rep. Laura Friedman, U.S. Representative (CNN)

“Look, ICE and Border Patrol, through the Republican bill that passed last year, are funded beyond any funding they've ever had in the past. They are funded more than the United States Marines. So, think about that. So, they have plenty of funding. But, at a time when we're going after taco sellers and daycare workers, we should be guarding the homeland, and they are not going after people who present a threat in this country.”

— Rep. Laura Friedman, U.S. Representative (CNN)

What’s next

Congress is expected to continue debating the DHS shutdown and the priorities of immigration enforcement agencies like ICE and Border Patrol.

The takeaway

This partisan dispute over the DHS shutdown and the focus of immigration agencies highlights the ongoing tensions around immigration policy and national security priorities in the United States.