Nevada Lawmakers Divided Over ICE Funding Amid Reform Demands

Democrats refuse to approve DHS budget without changes to ICE tactics, while Republican congressman calls their position "reckless".

Jan. 27, 2026 at 7:55pm

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Nevada's congressional delegation remains split over funding the Department of Homeland Security, with Democrats demanding reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following recent shootings, while the state's sole Republican congressman criticizes their stance as "reckless" and warns of the consequences of shutting down the agency.

Why it matters

The dispute over ICE funding and tactics highlights the ongoing national debate over immigration enforcement and the balance between security and civil liberties. The potential for another government shutdown also looms large, which could disrupt government services across the country.

The details

Democratic representatives like Susie Lee have proposed five reforms for ICE, including requiring agents to wear identification, obtain warrants, and undergo use of force training, but Republicans have rejected these changes. Republican congressman Mark Amodei has criticized the Democrats' refusal to fund the Department of Homeland Security without the reforms, calling it "reckless" and warning it could shut down agencies like FEMA during natural disasters. However, Amodei has also acknowledged the need for ICE to refocus its priorities on the "most dangerous criminal aliens" in the wake of recent controversial shootings.

  • The current government funding is set to expire at midnight on Friday, January 31, 2026.

The players

Susie Lee

Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Nevada.

Mark Amodei

Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives, the sole Republican in Nevada's congressional delegation.

Jacky Rosen

Democratic U.S. Senator from Nevada who is calling for the impeachment of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.

Kristi Noem

Current Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

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What they’re saying

“We offered five different reforms, whether it was wearing identification, providing warrants, use of force training, not arresting and detaining U.S. citizens. And Republicans, every step of the way, rejected those reforms.”

— Susie Lee, U.S. Representative (fox5vegas.com)

“For those calling to shut down the Department of Homeland Security under the belief that it would be wise for the nation, I beg to differ. It is beyond reckless to shut down FEMA during unprecedented winter weather events that affect approximately 30 states.”

— Mark Amodei, U.S. Representative (fox5vegas.com)

“A pivot to ICE's core mission in Minnesota is needed. Prioritizing the most dangerous criminal aliens and focusing enforcement on individuals who have gone through due process and have final orders of removal is the stated core mission.”

— Mark Amodei, U.S. Representative (fox5vegas.com)

“You know, no one's above the law, and what we've seen time and again with ICE, particularly in Minneapolis, is a blatant disregard for Americans' constitutional rights.”

— Susie Lee, U.S. Representative (fox5vegas.com)

What’s next

If the sides cannot reach an agreement by midnight Friday, January 31, 2026, thousands of government workers across different agencies will be impacted by a potential government shutdown.

The takeaway

This dispute over ICE funding and tactics highlights the ongoing national debate over immigration enforcement and the balance between security and civil liberties. The potential for another government shutdown also looms large, which could have far-reaching consequences for government services and the lives of many Americans.