Van Jones Defends Democrats' Stance on DHS Shutdown

CNN Commentator Says ICE Actions 'More Inconvenient' Than Airport Issues

Mar. 17, 2026 at 4:11am

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In an interview on 'CNN NewsNight,' political commentator Van Jones defended the Democrats' refusal to compromise on the ongoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown, stating that the inconvenience caused by ICE agents' actions is 'a lot more inconvenient' than the issues faced at airports.

Why it matters

The DHS shutdown has led to disruptions at airports and other government services, but Jones argues that the Democrats should maintain their position because of the broader implications of ICE's actions, which he believes are more harmful to the public than the airport delays.

The details

Jones recounted his own experience of facing long lines and delays at the Austin airport while trying to leave South by Southwest, even with PreCheck and CLEAR access. He said the plane he was on had to be pulled back to the tarmac because it was only half full, leading to further delays. Despite these inconveniences, Jones believes the Democrats should 'stick to their guns' on the DHS shutdown because of the 'terrible stuff' being done by ICE agents, which he says should be 'put back in a box'.

  • On Monday's broadcast of 'CNN NewsNight'

The players

Van Jones

A CNN senior political commentator who defended the Democrats' stance on the DHS shutdown.

Abby Phillip

The host of 'CNN NewsNight' who interviewed Van Jones.

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What they’re saying

“Democrats have to stick to their guns because, as inconvenient as it is in an airport, it's a lot more inconvenient to have ICE agents doing all kinds of terrible stuff, and they should be put back in a box.”

— Van Jones, CNN Senior Commentator (CNN NewsNight)

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing political tensions surrounding the DHS shutdown and the competing priorities of addressing airport disruptions versus curbing perceived abuses by ICE. Jones' defense of the Democrats' position suggests the party is willing to endure short-term inconveniences to the public in pursuit of their broader policy goals.