The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is facing tension over funding related to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities. This marks the second time in six months that most DHS employees, deemed essential, will be forced to work without pay.
Democrats are advocating for substantial policy changes to reduce civilian deaths, but the federal government maintains that current policies already address these concerns.
“Border Patrol and ICE both have ‘use of force guidelines and operational instructions on using minimum amount of force necessary,” said a DHS representative.
Proposed changes include eliminating roving patrols, increasing coordination with local agencies and prohibiting the use of masks. Additionally, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem recently announced that ICE agents would begin wearing body cameras.
Lawmakers are currently on recess and will not return until February 23.
