US Democrats Unveil 10 Reforms for ICE Agents Before Agreeing on DHS Funding
As the deadline for Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding draws near, US Democrats have announced a set of 10 reforms they want to see implemented before agreeing to provide funding. The list includes measures aimed at curbing what Democratic lawmakers describe as the "unacceptable" tactics employed by ICE agents during President Donald Trump's immigration operations.
The reforms span various areas, including targeted enforcement, use of force standards, and body cameras for accountability. Democrats are pushing for changes such as requiring verification that a detained individual is not a US citizen before holding them, ending discriminatory arrests, and prohibiting agents from wearing face coverings.
Other key demands include requiring DHS officers to display their ID numbers and last names during interactions with the public, protecting sensitive locations near medical facilities, schools, and other areas where ICE operations may be conducted, and implementing a reasonable use of force policy.
The list also includes provisions aimed at preventing racial profiling, ensuring state and local coordination and oversight, and establishing safeguards for detained individuals. Additionally, Democrats are pushing for body cameras to be used only for accountability purposes, not tracking, and regulating the type of uniforms and equipment carried by DHS officers during enforcement operations.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has described the reforms as "unrealistic," but Democratic Senator Dick Durbin remains optimistic that some Republicans understand the need for change. He stated that Democrats want to see these reforms implemented within a week and emphasized that they are not just asking for minor tweaks, but rather fundamental changes to how ICE operates.
The deadline for DHS funding is February 13, and the delay has raised concerns about the impact on travel and other critical services. With the debate ongoing, it remains to be seen whether Republicans will agree to these reforms in exchange for funding.
As the deadline for Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding draws near, US Democrats have announced a set of 10 reforms they want to see implemented before agreeing to provide funding. The list includes measures aimed at curbing what Democratic lawmakers describe as the "unacceptable" tactics employed by ICE agents during President Donald Trump's immigration operations.
The reforms span various areas, including targeted enforcement, use of force standards, and body cameras for accountability. Democrats are pushing for changes such as requiring verification that a detained individual is not a US citizen before holding them, ending discriminatory arrests, and prohibiting agents from wearing face coverings.
Other key demands include requiring DHS officers to display their ID numbers and last names during interactions with the public, protecting sensitive locations near medical facilities, schools, and other areas where ICE operations may be conducted, and implementing a reasonable use of force policy.
The list also includes provisions aimed at preventing racial profiling, ensuring state and local coordination and oversight, and establishing safeguards for detained individuals. Additionally, Democrats are pushing for body cameras to be used only for accountability purposes, not tracking, and regulating the type of uniforms and equipment carried by DHS officers during enforcement operations.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has described the reforms as "unrealistic," but Democratic Senator Dick Durbin remains optimistic that some Republicans understand the need for change. He stated that Democrats want to see these reforms implemented within a week and emphasized that they are not just asking for minor tweaks, but rather fundamental changes to how ICE operates.
The deadline for DHS funding is February 13, and the delay has raised concerns about the impact on travel and other critical services. With the debate ongoing, it remains to be seen whether Republicans will agree to these reforms in exchange for funding.
but seriously, this is a major step in the right direction. I just hope republicans dont throw it out w/ the bathwater & we actually start seeing some real change. 
, this is getting really interesting... how can you make sure that everyone's treated equally? The idea of body cameras just for accountability sounds like a good start... but what about the ICE agents who are already being held accountable by their colleagues and higher-ups?
. I mean, have they even considered the potential consequences of mandating body cameras? Are we just going to be watching every single interaction between an agent and a detainee, like some sort of surveillance state? And what about the ID numbers thing - how's that supposed to prevent racial profiling when it's just another layer of data for them to collect? 
i mean, its been super problematic with those agents being all secretive and stuff... requiring them to show their ID numbers is like, a basic thing, right? 
also, the idea of body cameras for accountability is a huge win - who doesn't want more transparency in law enforcement? 
but seriously, its about time some change happens at DHS 
... all those "unacceptable" tactics gotta go 
. Body cams for accountability, that's a no-brainer 
. Don't wanna see any more of those face masks being used as intimidation tools 
. And ID numbers and names on display? It's about time we get some transparency around here 
. Racial profiling needs to be out the door ASAP 
. Can't let politics get in the way of doing what's right, gotta prioritize justice and fairness for everyone 
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It's not like they're asking for some watered-down version of reform. They want real accountability and transparency from ICE agents.
. Anyway, I hope Democrats stand firm on these demands. We need to see some real progress before DHS funding is agreed upon 
What's to stop them from just pretending to agree to something before passing a bill they don't really care about? And what about all the people who are gonna get hurt or delayed because of this whole funding thing? February 13 is not exactly a date far away... 
. I mean, who wants their face covered when you're interacting with 'em in a public setting? That just screams "we're hiding something" 
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...I mean, what's the point of even having funding if we're just gonna let ICE keep doing whatever they want? 
body cameras are the least you could do, and still they're saying it's unrealistic? what's next, a new iPhone every year? 
seriously though, who thought it was a good idea for them to wear face coverings while doing their job? 
makes no sense at all...
. I mean, who wants to see people wearing face coverings just because they're doing their job? It feels so invasive and wrong. And the idea that they can just detain someone without verifying if they're a US citizen is crazy talk 
. I've got friends from different countries living in this country, and it's hard enough navigating immigration rules as a permanent resident - now imagine being stuck in a detention center just because of paperwork 
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. We need better accountability and oversight, especially when it comes to using force and racial profiling 
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... I wish Republicans would understand that this isn't just about politics, it's about people's lives and dignity 
... what's even more concerning is the "unrealistic" label from Senate Majority Leader John Thune 
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. Requiring body cameras and stricter use of force policies would be a huge step forward 
️. And can we please get rid of those face coverings? It's just too creepy 
. Those reforms might seem a bit drastic, but if they help prevent more misunderstandings or hurtful situations, that's definitely something to work towards 
. I mean, who wants a face-covering agent coming at you with a gun? Not me. And what's up with the discriminatory arrests? You gotta get ID'd by an ICE officer before you even know they're there? It's like something out of The Matrix 
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