Hawaii Rep. Ed Case Backs Temporary ICE Funding to Achieve Reforms

Case argues separating ICE funding from broader government spending gives Democrats more leverage to push for changes to immigration enforcement tactics.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Hawaii U.S. Representative Ed Case faced criticism from some fellow Democrats for helping Republicans pass a spending package that included temporary funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). However, Case argued that this strategy would put Democrats in a better position to ultimately achieve the reforms they want, by separating ICE funding from the broader government spending bill.

Why it matters

The debate over ICE funding and tactics has become a major political flashpoint, with growing public concern over the agency's aggressive enforcement methods. By narrowing the fight to just ICE funding, Case believes Democrats can rally more support for reforms without the complication of a full government shutdown.

The details

Case was one of 21 House Democrats who joined Republicans to advance a Senate compromise that would fund most of the government for the upcoming year, while providing two weeks to negotiate differences over $64.4 billion in spending for ICE and the Department of Homeland Security. Case argued that reform is best achieved by keeping "laser focus on ICE" in a separate negotiation, instead of shutting down all government services. He made clear he won't approve continued ICE funding after two weeks if negotiations fail to reform the agency's tactics.

  • The House vote to advance the spending package was 217-214.
  • The Senate vote to approve the compromise was 71-29.

The players

Ed Case

A U.S. Representative from Hawaii and member of the House Appropriations Committee.

Jill Tokuda

A U.S. Representative from Hawaii who joined the majority of House Democrats in opposing the temporary ICE funding.

Brian Schatz

A U.S. Senator from Hawaii who voted to approve the compromise that included the temporary ICE funding.

Mazie Hirono

A U.S. Senator from Hawaii who also voted to approve the compromise that included the temporary ICE funding.

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What they’re saying

“He condemned ICE brutality in its search for illegal immigrants that terrorizes legal immigrants and U.S. citizens as well, calling it 'un-American.'”

— Ed Case, U.S. Representative (Honolulu Star-Advertiser)

“Separating ICE from the rest of the government gives Democrats much cleaner leverage to press their demands for major changes in immigration enforcement in Minneapolis and elsewhere.”

— Ed Case, U.S. Representative (Honolulu Star-Advertiser)

What’s next

The two-week negotiation window will determine if Republicans agree to the reforms Democrats are demanding for ICE, such as no masks and proper identification for agents, judicial warrants to enter homes, protecting sensitive locations, and limiting use of force.

The takeaway

By separating the fight over ICE funding from a broader government shutdown, Rep. Ed Case believes Democrats can rally more public support for reforms to the agency's aggressive tactics, without the complication of a full government closure.