Schumer Calls Dems' DHS Demands 'Common Sense'

Senate Minority Leader says reforms to immigration enforcement practices are supported by the public

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said on Sunday that Democrats' demands for reforming the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including requiring ICE officers to identify themselves and have cameras on, are 'common sense' proposals supported by the American people. Schumer's comments came a day after funding for DHS lapsed, causing a partial government shutdown.

Why it matters

The debate over DHS funding and reforms to immigration enforcement practices has become a major political flashpoint, with Democrats pushing for changes to address concerns over the agency's tactics and transparency, while Republicans have resisted such reforms.

The details

Schumer told CNN's Jake Tapper that Democrats are calling for measures like requiring ICE officers to remove masks and have cameras on, which he said are standard practices for other police departments. He accused ICE of being 'rogue' and 'out of control.' The DHS funding lapse has caused a partial government shutdown, with Democrats demanding reforms to immigration enforcement as a condition of approving new funding.

  • DHS funding lapsed early Saturday morning, causing a third at least partial government shutdown in Trump's second term.
  • Last week, Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) was the only Democratic senator to vote to advance a yearlong funding package for DHS.

The players

Chuck Schumer

Senate Minority Leader and a Democratic senator from New York.

John Fetterman

A Democratic senator from Pennsylvania who has been known to buck his party in recent years.

Tom Homan

The White House border czar who announced that controversial Trump administration immigration crackdown efforts in Minnesota would come to an end.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

A federal law enforcement agency under the Department of Homeland Security that is responsible for enforcing federal laws governing border control, customs, trade, and immigration.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

A federal executive department responsible for public security, roughly comparable to the interior or home ministries of other countries.

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What they’re saying

“We need masks off, we need cameras on and we need every police — every [Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)] officer, to be identified.”

— Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader (CNN)

“These are common sense proposals. They're supported by the American people. Why won't Republicans go for them? They don't give any good answers. It's something that every police department does across the country, but ICE is rogue, out of control.”

— Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader (CNN)

“This shutdown literally has zero impact on ICE functionality. Country over party is refusing to hit the entire Department of Homeland Security. Democracy demands a way forward to reform ICE without damaging our critical national security agencies.”

— John Fetterman, U.S. Senator (X)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.