Senate Democrats have threatened to block legislation that would fund the Department of Homeland Security and several other US agencies amid growing concerns over immigration enforcement activities. The move potentially brings the government a step closer to a partial shutdown if Republicans and the White House do not agree to new restrictions on President Donald Trump’s enforcement surge. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York said Wednesday that Democrats will not provide needed votes until US Immigration and Customs Enforcement is “reined in and overhauled”. During the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, Mr Schumer said Democrats are asking the White House to “end roving patrols” in cities and coordinate with local law enforcement on immigration arrests, including requiring tighter rules for warrants. Mr Schumer said agents should be required to have “masks off, body cameras on” and carry proper identification, as is common practice in most law enforcement agencies.

Source: Irish Examiner January 29, 2026 22:16 UTC