A bipartisan coalition led by Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick and Tom Suozzi is set to introduce legislation aimed at reopening the Department of Homeland Security while implementing stricter conduct regulations for ICE officers.
In a significant move to address the ongoing shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), a bipartisan group of House lawmakers, led by Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) and Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.), is preparing to unveil a proposal that seeks to fund the DHS while imposing stricter rules on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The announcement is anticipated to take place on Friday.
The proposed legislation aims to reopen DHS after an extended period of inactivity and includes a series of reforms that target the conduct of ICE personnel. Fitzpatrick stated that the plan is a direct response to the need for accountability within immigration enforcement and reflects a compromise designed to appeal to both Democratic and Republican concerns.
Details of the Legislation
The bill is expected to feature several key provisions that address the concerns of different factions within Congress. For Democrats, the proposal includes a ban on ICE officers wearing face masks, a significant shift from current practices that have become a point of contention. Additionally, it will require warrants for arrests, a measure aimed at enhancing oversight of ICE operations.
To appeal to Republican lawmakers, the bill couples the mask prohibition, a priority for Democrats, with increased penalties for doxing federal officers, an issue that has gained traction among GOP representatives. This dual approach is intended to foster a sense of collaboration between the two parties amid a contentious political climate.
Context and Negotiations
The introduction of this legislation comes at a time when party leaders in the Senate have been unable to reach a consensus on proposals to reopen DHS, with various suggestions being rejected by opposing parties. In a bid to break the deadlock, members of the Problem Solvers Caucus convened on Thursday in the basement of the Capitol Visitors Center to deliberate on their emerging legislation. Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine) participated in these discussions, indicating the seriousness of the negotiations.
Fitzpatrick emphasized the importance of focusing reforms specifically on the branches of ICE that handle enforcement and removal operations. He expressed concern that some Democratic colleagues were attempting to expand the scope of reform to include other parts of DHS, such as Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which traditionally do not engage in interior enforcement activities. “It’s enforcement and removal operations within ICE — it’s a very specific piece of ICE. That’s the issue that we need to fix,” Fitzpatrick stated.
Democratic Concerns
Despite the bipartisan efforts, skepticism remains among some Democrats, particularly those aligned with the more progressive wing of the party. Concerns have been raised about the historical role of HSI agents in supporting ICE removal operations under the Trump administration, as well as the involvement of CBP agents in urban areas during deportation actions. The Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) has made it clear that they will not support any DHS funding that includes ICE and CBP without substantial reforms. CPC Chair Greg Casar (D-Texas) articulated this stance, stating, “We’re not going to give ICE and CBP billions more dollars until there are dramatic reforms so we can prevent the killing of more citizens like Alex Pretti.”
Proposed Reforms
In addition to the controversial mask ban and warrant requirements, the Fitzpatrick-Suozzi bill proposes other significant reforms. These include expanding the use of body cameras for ICE officers, prohibiting warrantless raids in sensitive locations such as schools and hospitals, and allowing for independent investigations into cases of excessive force involving federal officers. Fitzpatrick asserted that the proposed legislation largely aligns with the demands of Democrats, aiming to strike a balance that addresses safety concerns while ensuring accountability.
Opposition from the Right
While the bill seeks bipartisan support, opposition is also emerging from within the Republican Party. Tom Homan, former acting director of ICE under President Trump, publicly criticized the proposed ban on face masks, arguing that it would jeopardize the safety of ICE officers. In an interview, he stated, “You want us to give up masks, well, you know what? No we’re not. I’m not putting one ICE officer at risk.” This reflects the broader tensions within the GOP regarding immigration enforcement and officer safety.
As the Fitzpatrick-Suozzi legislation moves forward, it remains to be seen whether it will garner enough support from both sides of the aisle to overcome the existing divisions in Congress. The urgency to reopen DHS underscores the critical nature of immigration enforcement and the need for a collaborative approach to reforming federal agencies involved in this contentious area.
