Schumer Says Democrats Will Still Block DHS Funding Despite Trump Replacing Noem

Senate Majority Leader argues leadership changes alone won't fix 'systemic' issues at ICE and the agency

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer made it clear that replacing the head of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will not end the standoff between Democrats and the Trump administration. Even though President Trump has picked Senator Markwayne Mullin to take over the agency, Schumer said Democrats will not move forward on DHS negotiations or confirm new leadership until major policy changes are made to address the 'rot' within Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Why it matters

This ongoing dispute over DHS funding and leadership reflects the deep partisan divide in Washington and the challenges the Biden administration faces in enacting its immigration agenda, even with a Democratic majority in Congress. Schumer's comments suggest Democrats will continue to use their leverage to push for significant reforms at ICE and the broader DHS, rather than simply accepting new leadership.

The details

Schumer argued that the issues within ICE are so systemic that simply changing the boss won't fix anything. He repeated several times that the agency suffers from deep 'rot' that can only be addressed through new laws and a complete shift in how the government handles immigration enforcement, not just new faces in the cabinet. Schumer also accused the Trump administration of 'stonewalling' Democrats on the most important issues and insisted that the only way forward is through legislative changes, not just personnel changes.

  • On March 5, 2026, Schumer made these comments to reporters.

The players

Chuck Schumer

The Senate Majority Leader and a Democratic senator from New York.

Kristi Noem

The former Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security who recently stepped down from the role.

Markwayne Mullin

A Republican senator from Oklahoma who President Trump has nominated to be the new Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who appointed Kristi Noem as DHS Secretary and is now nominating Markwayne Mullin to replace her.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency under the Department of Homeland Security that is responsible for immigration enforcement.

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What they’re saying

“The rot is deep. The president has to end the violence and reign in ICE.”

— Chuck Schumer, Senate Majority Leader (meaww.com)

“I don't trust any one person being in charge of this agency as long as Trump is president. Given the policies he's espoused, given how ICE has been structured. The rot is deep.”

— Chuck Schumer, Senate Majority Leader (meaww.com)

What’s next

The Senate will need to confirm Markwayne Mullin as the new DHS Secretary, but Schumer has indicated Democrats will block that nomination unless significant policy changes are made at the agency, particularly at ICE.

The takeaway

This standoff over DHS leadership and funding reflects the deep partisan divisions in Washington and the challenges the Biden administration faces in enacting its immigration agenda, even with Democratic control of Congress. Schumer's demands for systemic reforms at ICE suggest Democrats will continue to use their leverage to push for major changes, rather than simply accepting new leadership at the agency.