Schumer demands DHS funding be split after ICE killings threaten shutdown

2026-01-28 - 22:40

US Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer has issued a direct challenge to Republicans, demanding they separate funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from a critical spending package to avoid a government shutdown. Schumer's ultimatum is directly linked to the recent fatal shootings of two American citizens by federal immigration agents in Minnesota, which have ignited a fierce political battle over agency accountability. A Strategic Demand to Split Funding Bills Speaking on the Senate floor on Wednesday, Senator Schumer warned that a six-bill funding package, set for a procedural vote on Thursday, is at risk because the DHS component lacks sufficient support. He argued the path forward is clear: "Five of these bills are ready to go, and the Senate should pass them as soon as possible." Schumer stated that the DHS bill requires "additional work" in the aftermath of the killings. "Until ICE is properly reined in and overhauled, legislatively, the DHS funding bill doesn't have the votes to pass the Senate," he asserted. He urged Republican leader John Thune to split the bills, noting that passing the five non-DHS measures would fund 96% of the government and allow focused negotiations on reforming DHS funding. Call for Noem’s Firing and Threat of Impeachment Senator Schumer used the moment to launch a blistering personal attack on Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, explicitly calling for her dismissal by President Trump. "It's outrageous that Kristi Noem still has a job... after federal officers murdered two American citizens in just two weeks," Schumer said, accusing her of lying about the incidents. He labeled her "incompetent" and declared, "Donald Trump needs to fire Kristi Noem at once." This demand was echoed by House Democratic leaders in a separate statement. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Whip Katherine Clark, and Chair Pete Aguilar jointly warned, "Kristi Noem should be fired immediately, or we will commence impeachment proceedings in the House of Representatives." Political Brinkmanship Ahead of Shutdown Deadline With a partial government shutdown looming on January 30, Schumer's maneuver represents high-stakes political brinkmanship. He placed the responsibility for any potential shutdown squarely on Senate Republican leadership if they proceed with the combined package. "If Thune doesn't do it, the shutdown of the government is on his back," Schumer stated. The Democratic strategy is to force a separate debate on ICE, using the must-pass funding legislation as leverage to demand legislative "common-sense safeguards" and executive accountability for the agency's conduct in Minneapolis. The standoff transforms a local law enforcement crisis into a national fiscal and political crisis, testing the resolve of both parties just days before the funding deadline.