Washington, February 9: The political confrontation over immigration enforcement and election regulations is escalating in Washington. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries has warned that aggressive federal actions could undermine civil liberties and democratic norms as the November elections approach.
In an appearance on CNN‘s “State of the Union,” Jeffries stated that Democrats will not support funding for the Department of Homeland Security until Republicans agree to significant reforms in Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He emphasized that the situation has spiraled out of control.
When asked if Democrats would accept anything less than their full list of demands, Jeffries replied, “Not at this time. We start with the basic premise that taxpayer money should be used to simplify the lives of everyday Americans, not to oppress or harm citizens like Renée Nicole Good or Alex Pretti.”
Jeffries asserted that immigration enforcement must be conducted properly, fairly, and humanely. He argued that substantial changes in the behavior of Homeland Security officials are essential before any funding bill can move forward.
The Democratic leader highlighted that Republican proposals include mandatory body cameras for agents, a ban on masks, judicial warrants before searching private property, and allowing state and local officials to independently investigate and prosecute federal law violations.
He stated, “ICE agents should need a warrant before raiding private property and violently removing everyday Americans from their homes. There should be no debate on this.”
With just five days left until the deadline for funding the Department of Homeland Security, the lack of approval has already led to a partial shutdown in the U.S. Jeffries acknowledged that ICE and Customs and Border Protection have already received substantial funding under last year’s legislation. However, he believes that linking reforms to spending bills is the only way to change enforcement behavior.
“This is how you change behavior. The ball is now in the Republicans’ court,” he said.
Jeffries warned that failure to act would result in clear decisions to shut down the Coast Guard, FEMA, and TSA. He also opposed President Donald Trump’s new demands to nationalize elections and require proof of citizenship to vote, which are being pushed through a law known as the Republican Save Act.
“We know that the right to conduct elections lies with the states, and they have already established their voter ID rules,” Jeffries stated, accusing the Republican Party of attempting to suppress voters openly.
Recently, President Trump faced backlash for posting an image that likened former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama to monkeys, which he later deleted. Jeffries criticized the post, stating that Trump should apologize, a request Trump has refused, blaming a staff member for the post.
Jeffries remarked, “He should definitely apologize. It was a disgraceful video.”
Trump has attempted to release stalled infrastructure funds in exchange for renaming major transportation hubs after himself. Jeffries condemned this as another example of Trump trying to impose presidential graffiti on the American people.
