White House border chief Tom Homan rejected Democratic calls to overhaul Immigration and Customs Enforcement during Sunday television appearances, as lawmakers remain at an impasse over Department of Homeland Security funding.
The standoff has intensified as Democratic representatives continue pushing for significant changes to ICE operations, while Republicans claim their opponents are playing politics by blocking homeland security funding legislation.
During an appearance on CBS News’ “Face the Nation,” Homan characterized Democratic lawmakers’ ICE proposals as “unreasonable” and noted he was not participating in negotiations over a potential homeland security funding deal tied to ICE reforms.
Earlier this month, Democrats presented congressional Republican leaders with a 10-point list of requirements, including ending racial profiling practices by ICE, banning the use of face coverings by agents, and requiring judicial warrants before officers can enter private residences.
Homan pushed back against allegations of racial profiling, stating that ICE agents conduct stops based on “reasonable suspicion.” A recent Supreme Court decision permitted officers to consider factors like brown skin color or Spanish-speaking as justification for stops.
Regarding mask usage, Homan argued that ICE agents require face coverings to protect their identities, though critics point out that most American law enforcement personnel operate without masks.
The Department of Homeland Security began a partial shutdown Saturday, though operations largely continue since most agency functions are classified as essential services.
Delaware Senator Chris Coons appeared on “Fox News Sunday,” attributing the White House’s willingness to discuss ICE changes to “outcry from Americans,” despite DHS having remaining funding for the near term.
Oklahoma Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin countered on CNN’s “State of the Union” that Democrats are conducting “political theater” and failing to negotiate honestly.
Progress on resolving the dispute may stall further as both congressional chambers enter recess this week.
Source: https://srnnews.com/trump-border-czar-dismisses-democratic-demands-to-reform-ice/
