Senators Angus King and Susan Collins at Odds Over ICE Reform Demands

Funding for Department of Homeland Security hangs in the balance as Maine's senators take opposing stances on immigration enforcement changes.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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U.S. Senators Angus King, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, and Republican Susan Collins are at odds over Democratic demands for reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as part of a funding measure for the Department of Homeland Security. King says he will not vote to provide additional funds to ICE without the reforms, while Collins believes the Democratic demands have "greatly expanded" beyond their original asks.

Why it matters

The disagreement between King and Collins highlights the partisan divide over immigration enforcement and the role of agencies like ICE. With the Department of Homeland Security funding set to expire at the end of the week, the impasse could lead to a government shutdown if a compromise is not reached.

The details

Democrats, including King, have proposed a 10-point plan for ICE reforms, including requirements for agents to display identification, follow 'reasonable' use-of-force rules, and obtain judicial warrants to enter private property. Republicans, including Collins, have rejected these demands, with the White House signaling it will not agree to the reforms. The dispute comes after recent controversies involving ICE, including the killing of two U.S. citizens in Minnesota and a ramped-up operation that targeted the Portland and Lewiston areas in Maine.

  • The Senate must pass a funding measure for the Department of Homeland Security by the end of Friday to keep the department open.
  • Last month, the House included provisions for body cameras, de-escalation training, and oversight for immigration agents in a Homeland Security funding measure.
  • On Wednesday, Congressman Jared Golden said he wants to see protections for 'Dreamers' and a ban on federal agents using administrative warrants to enter homes included in the ongoing negotiations.

The players

Angus King

An independent U.S. Senator from Maine who caucuses with Democrats. King says he will not vote to provide additional funds to ICE without the proposed reforms.

Susan Collins

A Republican U.S. Senator from Maine and the chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Collins believes the Democratic demands on ICE have "greatly expanded" beyond their original asks.

Todd Lyons

The acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), who was defiant in his testimony before the House Homeland Security Committee, declining to apologize for the deaths of two U.S. citizens in Minnesota.

Jared Golden

A Democratic U.S. Representative from Maine's 2nd District who voted with Republicans to approve Homeland Security funding, but now wants to see protections for 'Dreamers' and restrictions on federal agents' use of administrative warrants.

Chellie Pingree

A Democratic U.S. Representative from Maine's 1st District who did not join Golden in voting for the Homeland Security funding and supports abolishing ICE.

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What they’re saying

“I cannot vote for another continuing resolution which would provide additional funds to ICE until these reforms are enacted.”

— Angus King, U.S. Senator (pressherald.com)

“I personally think we could use a little longer for these negotiations, and I'm concerned about whether they will be able to be completed in the next week.”

— Susan Collins, U.S. Senator (pressherald.com)

“We are only getting started.”

— Todd Lyons, Acting ICE Director (pressherald.com)

What’s next

The Senate is set to hold an initial vote on a funding measure for the Department of Homeland Security on Thursday. If a compromise is not reached by the end of Friday, the department could face a shutdown.

The takeaway

The disagreement between Senators King and Collins over ICE reforms highlights the deep partisan divide on immigration enforcement and the challenges in finding bipartisan solutions, even among lawmakers who often portray themselves as pragmatic dealmakers.