Hoosiers Protest ICE Amid DHS Partial Shutdown

Demonstrators call for reforms to immigration enforcement as Congress fails to reach deal on DHS funding.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A partial government shutdown began on Saturday after Democrats and the White House failed to reach a deal to fund the Department of Homeland Security. Protesters in Indianapolis, including a high school student and her grandmother, are calling for changes to ICE operations, such as requiring agents to wear body cameras and obtain warrants before entering private property. Congressman André Carson has criticized ICE, saying it has "devolved into a Gestapo" under the Trump administration's "xenophobic, anti-Brown, anti-Black agenda."

Why it matters

The ongoing protests and partial government shutdown highlight the deep partisan divide over immigration enforcement and the role of agencies like ICE. The debate touches on issues of civil liberties, racial justice, and the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches.

The details

Democrats have demanded reforms to ICE operations, including requiring agents to wear body cameras, obtain judicial warrants before entering private property, and stop wearing masks. The Department of Homeland Security said it is acquiring body cameras for its officers in response to these demands. Protesters in Indianapolis, including high school student Sav Bray and her grandmother Cathy Cramer, support these proposed changes, though they differ on their views of ICE's role.

  • The partial government shutdown began on Saturday, February 17, 2026.
  • Protesters gathered at Monument Circle in Indianapolis on President's Day, February 17, 2026.

The players

Sav Bray

An Avon High School student who protested against ICE at Monument Circle in Indianapolis.

Cathy Cramer

The grandmother of Sav Bray who accompanied her to the protest, though she supports law enforcement and ICE.

Congressman André Carson

A Democratic representative from Indiana's 7th congressional district who voted against the DHS appropriations bill, criticizing ICE's "Gestapo" tactics under the Trump administration.

Department of Homeland Security

The federal agency that oversees ICE and is at the center of the budget impasse and debate over immigration enforcement reforms.

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What they’re saying

“Any law enforcement should wear body cameras. That's crucial evidence if something were to happen, if someone were to get hurt or even killed.”

— Sav Bray, High school student (WTHR)

“I understand there's a lot of people that are illegal in this country, and I don't believe they should be allowed to be here. If they want to come, then do it legally and go through the steps to become a citizen.”

— Cathy Cramer, Protester's grandmother (WTHR)

“...because it continues to fund ICE without any substantive changes to stop unlawful actions and abuse of power. Since President Trump's first term, I have fought the administration's baseless attacks on the immigrant community by supporting constructive legislation like the Neighbors Not Enemies Act and the NO BAN Act. This administration has escalated its attacks into a violent reign of terror.”

— Congressman André Carson (WTHR)

What’s next

The judge overseeing the case will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the protesters to continue demonstrating at Monument Circle.

The takeaway

The ongoing protests and partial government shutdown over ICE and immigration enforcement highlight the deep partisan divisions and competing visions for the role of federal agencies in addressing undocumented immigration in the United States.