Democrats Push for Bipartisan Immigration Reform and ICE Funding Cuts
Congressional Democrats and immigration rights groups are demanding pathways to citizenship and funding restrictions for federal enforcement agencies following mass deportation campaigns.
A coalition of over 150 immigration rights organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union and United We Dream, is urging Democrats to prioritize pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants in the next Congress. In a letter sent Monday, the groups demanded legislation for permanent legal status without increased surveillance and called for Congress to block funding for the United States Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement until operational changes occur.
On Wednesday, Congressional Democrats gathered outside the US Capitol to advocate for a bipartisan overhaul of the immigration system. Lawmakers highlighted the American Dream and Promise Act and the Dignity Act as frameworks to provide legal pathways for Dreamers and couple border security with immigrant protections. While President Donald Trump has suggested a potential deal for law-abiding undocumented immigrants, Democrats pointed to the appointment of Stephen Miller as chief of staff as a contradiction to such efforts.
With Democrats poised to take control of both legislative chambers in January, Representative Henry Cuellar stated he intends to use his future role as chair of the House appropriations homeland security subcommittee to implement funding guardrails. These measures would aim to revert Immigration and Customs Enforcement to its pre-2025 operational role.
