ICE Funding in Jeopardy: Democrats Call for Reforms Amid Minneapolis Shooting
Following the shooting of Renee Good by an ICE officer, Democratic lawmakers seek to reform ICE and impose restrictions.
A fatal shooting by an ICE officer in Minneapolis has sparked outrage among Democratic lawmakers, who are now calling for significant reforms within the agency. Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old US citizen, was shot and killed by an ICE officer on Wednesday while trying to drive away from agents.
The incident has drawn swift condemnation from congressional Democrats, who have accused the Trump administration of enabling a reckless immigration enforcement campaign. Videos of the shooting show Good attempting to drive away from agents before being fired upon at close range.
Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut has taken a strong stance against the agency, stating that Democrats cannot support a DHS budget that doesn't restrain the growing lawlessness of ICE. He is preparing legislation that would require warrants for arrests, prohibit agents from wearing masks during enforcement actions, and limit Border Patrol operations far from the US border.
House Democratic leaders, including Robin Kelly of Illinois and Yassamin Ansari of Arizona, are also pushing for additional measures to rein in ICE. Kelly has filed articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, calling her leadership a disgrace to democracy. Ansari has announced plans to introduce legislation that would limit ICE's authority.
The Minneapolis shooting has reignited calls for accountability and reform within the agency, with some lawmakers pushing for the overhaul or abolition of ICE entirely. The incident has also sparked renewed public concern over federal immigration enforcement, with 53% of Americans believing the Trump administration is doing too much in deporting unauthorized immigrants.
As Congress races to finalize several spending bills before a January 30 deadline, the Minneapolis shooting has complicated negotiations over DHS funding. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer has called for a full federal investigation into the shooting, but it remains unclear whether Democrats will formally block funding.
