Democrats Demand Congress, Not White House, Set New ICE Policies

Lawmakers say they can't trust the administration to follow through on any agreement.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 7:47pm

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Senate Democrats are refusing to pass a government funding bill unless any changes to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policies are written into law by Congress, not left to the discretion of the White House. They cite a lack of trust in the Trump administration after the recent fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by ICE agents in Minneapolis. Democrats want to see reforms such as mandatory body cameras and de-escalation training for ICE, as well as the removal of masks worn by agents and a repeal of a new DHS memo that encourages warrantless home entries.

Why it matters

The standoff over ICE policies has become a major obstacle in budget negotiations, raising the risk of a partial government shutdown. Democrats argue that without Congressional action, the administration cannot be trusted to follow through on any agreed-upon changes, while Republicans want to avoid renegotiating the DHS funding bill that has already passed the House.

The details

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has drawn a 'red line' demanding that any ICE reforms be enacted through legislation, not left to the White House. Democrats secured some modest enforcement concessions in the House bill, including money for body cameras and de-escalation training, but they now want to go further by removing ICE agents' masks and repealing a new DHS memo on warrantless home entries. Senate Republicans, led by Majority Whip John Thune (R-SD), are urging Democrats to compromise with the administration instead of forcing a renegotiation of the House-passed bill, warning that it could lead to a government shutdown.

  • On January 28, 2026, the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by ICE agents in Minneapolis sparked the latest standoff.
  • Congress has until Friday, January 31, 2026 to pass a government funding bill and avert a partial shutdown.

The players

Chuck Schumer

The Democratic Senate Majority Leader, who has drawn a 'red line' demanding that any ICE reforms be enacted through legislation.

Chris Murphy

A Democratic Senator from Connecticut and the top appropriator for DHS funding, who says any changes 'have to be in law' due to mistrust of the administration.

John Thune

The Republican Senate Majority Whip, who is urging Democrats to compromise with the White House instead of forcing a renegotiation of the House-passed funding bill.

Tammy Baldwin

A Democratic Senator from Wisconsin who says they 'will see how we get there' in terms of striking a deal.

Donald Trump

The President, who met with Schumer in the Oval Office recently to discuss ICE and nationwide enforcement operations.

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What they’re saying

“The fix should come from Congress. The public can't trust the administration to do the right thing on its own, and the Republicans and Democrats must work together to make that happen.”

— Chuck Schumer, Senate Majority Leader (washingtonexaminer.com)

“The changes 'have to be in law' due to mistrust of the administration and that the two would be discussing 'a set of reforms that will unite the caucus'.”

— Chris Murphy, Senator (washingtonexaminer.com)

“We will see how we get there.”

— Tammy Baldwin, Senator (washingtonexaminer.com)

What’s next

The Senate plans to hold its first vote on the House-passed spending bill on Thursday, January 30, 2026, leaving little time to reach a compromise before the Friday shutdown deadline.

The takeaway

This standoff highlights the deep partisan divisions over immigration policy and the lack of trust between the White House and Congressional Democrats, which is complicating efforts to keep the government funded and avoid a potentially damaging shutdown.