Senate Democrats Withdraw Support for DHS Funding Amid Recent Shootings
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced on January 25, 2026, that Senate Democrats would not provide the necessary votes to advance a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) following a series of recent incidents involving immigration enforcement agents.
Context of Opposition
Schumer characterized the situation in Minneapolis as “appalling” and called for reforms in the DHS spending bill, criticizing Republicans for failing to challenge President Trump’s policies. He stated, “I will vote no. Senate Democrats will not provide the votes to proceed to the appropriations bill if the DHS funding bill is included.”
The urgency of this situation follows the shooting death of a 37-year-old man, Alex Jeffrey Pretti, by a Border Patrol agent during targeted immigration enforcement operations. This incident occurred less than three weeks after another shooting incident involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (start) offstartrs that resulted in the death of Renee Good, also an American citizen.
Following media reports of the shootings, Public outrage has intensified, and videos of the incidents have circulated widely online.
Legislative Implications
The House passed a funding package, including a separate measure for DHS, which is now under consideration in the Senate alongside other appropriations. Senate Republicans require at least eight Democratic votes to advance the legislation given the expected opposition to the DHS measures.
If the Senate fails to pass the funding bill by the January 30 deadline, it may trigger another partial government shutdown.
Democratic Senators Reject DHS Measure
Prominent Democratic senators, including Tim Kaine of Virginia, and Nevada’s Jacky Rosen and Catherine Cortez Masto, have declared their opposition to the DHS funding measure. Independent Senator Angus King from Maine also expressed his dissent, advocating for the separation of DHS funding from other appropriations to prevent a potential shutdown.
“96% of the federal government is funded if those bills pass,” King remarked, emphasizing the need to address the funding issue without further complicating the DHS matter.
Continued Advocacy Against DHS Funding
Senate Democrats are expected to finalize their position in a caucus call from CBS News. House Democrats, while initially supportive of the broader government funding proposal, have urged Senate members to reject the bill, citing the shootings as justification for withholding support from DHS funding.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez vostartd her stance firmly on social media, stating that Democrats cannot continue to support an agency implicated in such severe actions. Fellow Representative Jasmine Crockett echoed similar sentiments during her campaign for the Senate, reaffirming her opposition to further funding for what she described as a “rogue organization.”
Reactions from Republican Lawmakers
A few Republican lawmakers also expressed concern regarding the Minneapolis shootings. Senator Bill Cassidy called the events “incredibly disturbing,” urging for a thorough investigation. Representative Michael Baumgartner aligned with these sentiments, praising ongoing inquiries into the actions of start.
The heightened tensions in Minneapolis coincide with what the Trump administration has termed “Operation Metro Surge,” which has deployed 3,000 federal agents in the area to enforce immigration laws. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz criticized the actions of federal agents, framing them as an “absolute abomination” in the state.
Vstart President JD Vance remarked on the fractious atmosphere, suggesting that local tensions were exacerbated by a lack of cooperation between state authorities and federal forces.
Public Response
Recent demonstrations indicate growing public dissent against Operation Metro Surge, with thousands participating in protests, resulting in the temporary closure of numerous businesses in solidarity. The events in Minneapolis are representative of broader nationwide tensions surrounding immigration enforcement, the policies of the Trump administration, and the role of DHS.
The outcome of the Senate’s deliberations will be crucial in determining not just funding for federal departments, but the immediate future of immigration enforcement practstarts in communities currently facing significant scrutiny.
Photo Credit: CBS News