House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Democrats will not back a proposed Department of Homeland Security funding bill, arguing that the legislation would continue what he described as harmful immigration enforcement practices. Speaking publicly, Jeffries criticized the bill’s provisions related to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, signaling firm opposition from his caucus.
Jeffries indicated that Democratic resistance would remain even if changes were made to DHS leadership, saying personnel shifts would not address what Democrats view as systemic problems within the agency’s enforcement approach. He emphasized that the issue centers on policy direction rather than individual officials.
The remarks underscore growing tension in Congress as lawmakers negotiate funding for DHS, with immigration enforcement once again emerging as a major obstacle to reaching a bipartisan agreement before looming budget deadlines.