Lawmakers Deadlocked Over ICE Restrictions as DHS Funding Deadline Nears

Republicans reject Democratic demands for greater accountability and oversight of immigration enforcement agencies.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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With just eight days until the Department of Homeland Security's annual budget expires, U.S. lawmakers remain at an impasse over a list of Democratic demands for reforms and accountability measures for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other DHS agencies. Republicans have firmly rejected the proposals, arguing they would cripple immigration enforcement, while Democrats insist the changes are necessary to address concerns over abuses and lack of oversight.

Why it matters

The standoff over DHS funding and ICE restrictions reflects the deep partisan divide on immigration policy and enforcement. Failure to reach a deal could lead to a partial government shutdown, disrupting the operations of key homeland security agencies. The debate also highlights the ongoing tensions between federal immigration authorities and local communities over the role and conduct of immigration enforcement.

The details

Democratic leaders have proposed 10 changes to the DHS appropriations bill, including prohibiting agents from wearing masks, racially profiling, indiscriminately arresting people, tracking protesters, or entering private property without a warrant. They also want to require agents to display ID, wear body cameras, and obtain consent from states and localities before conducting large-scale operations. Republicans have unanimously rejected the proposals, arguing they would cripple ICE's ability to enforce immigration laws and deport criminal illegal immigrants.

  • The DHS funding deadline is February 13, 2026.
  • The Democratic proposals were released on February 5, 2026.

The players

Lindsey Graham

U.S. Senator from South Carolina and a Republican leader opposing the Democratic proposals.

Markwayne Mullin

U.S. Senator from Oklahoma and a Republican criticizing the Democratic demands as "unimplementable."

Mike Johnson

Republican Speaker of the House, taking the same stance as Senate Republicans against the Democratic proposals.

Keith Self

Republican Congressman from Texas, arguing that enforcing federal immigration law is not optional.

Alex Pretti

A 37-year-old U.S. citizen who was fatally shot by an ICE agent during a protest in Minneapolis in January 2026.

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What they’re saying

“The Democrats' proposal is ridiculous because it would stop our ability to deport illegal immigrant criminals who present a danger to America. They are not serious about working to reform the immigration system or ICE [...] I had hoped we would debate and find a solution. But it looks like we're just going to debate.”

— Lindsey Graham, U.S. Senator (dailyfly.com)

“Enforcing federal immigration law isn't optional. The safety of the American people and the rule of law isn't a game.”

— Keith Self, U.S. Congressman (dailyfly.com)

What’s next

The judge will decide on February 13, 2026 whether to extend the current DHS funding stopgap or allow a partial government shutdown to occur.

The takeaway

The standoff over DHS funding and ICE restrictions reflects the deep partisan divide on immigration policy, with Republicans adamantly opposing Democratic demands for greater accountability and oversight of federal immigration enforcement agencies. Failure to reach a compromise could disrupt the operations of key homeland security agencies, underscoring the need for bipartisan solutions on this contentious issue.