If there are no sudden legislative breakthroughs this week, the Department of Homeland Security is headed for a shutdown on Friday.
Democrats say that's just fine.
As the Trump administration continues its immigration crackdown in cities across the United States, Democrats have made their stance known: Reform immigration enforcement or there will be no DHS funding. And even with a DHS shutdown on the horizon — or what's supposed to be a shutdown, anyway — Democrats are holding the line.
"Our position has been clear: Dramatic changes are needed at the Department of Homeland Security before a DHS funding bill moves forward," House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York said Monday when asked if he'd support a short-term funding patch for DHS. "Period. Full stop."
While it's not uncommon to see Jeffries take a hardline position against Republicans, what's unique about this standoff is that Democrats writ large — in both chambers — seem united. They want major changes at Immigration and Customs Enforcement. And if they don't get them, Democrats are prepared to live in a world where the Department of Homeland Security is in a prolonged shutdown.
This is a preview of Mychael Schnell and Kevin Frey's latest article. Read the full article here.
