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House Democrats voted overwhelmingly Thursday against funding the Department of Homeland Security, with the bill passing 220-207 as Republicans maintained unified support. The vote highlighted deep divisions within the Democratic Party over how to handle U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with disagreements ranging from calls to abolish the agency entirely to more moderate positions favoring reform.
Only seven Democrats broke ranks to support the legislation, which funds Customs and Border Protection, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Secret Service and Homeland Security Investigations. For most Democrats, the vote served as a referendum on ICE’s enforcement practices, which they view as overstepping legal bounds and using excessive force.
Rep. Mark Pocan of Wisconsin said the bill’s specifics mattered less than the continued funding of ICE, reflecting widespread Democratic concerns about the agency’s aggressive tactics. The “abolish ICE” movement, which gained prominence during President Trump’s first term, has resurged during his second administration.
However, swing-district Democrats resist being labeled as anti-law enforcement. Rep. Tom Suozzi of New York, one of few Democrats supporting the bill, called “abolish ICE” nearly as damaging as “defund the police,” arguing instead for reform and ensuring agents follow proper rules.
Progressive Democrats maintain stronger positions. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said ICE’s design fundamentally violates law and civil liberties, created in the post-9/11 Patriot Act era. A recent Economist/YouGov poll following the fatal shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis found 46 percent of Americans support abolishing ICE, with 43 percent opposed.
Democratic leadership prefers “reform” language. House Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar said Democrats want to reform what they consider a lawless agency, though he expressed concern that even legislative guardrails might not prevent abuses under the Trump administration.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other leaders informed caucus members Wednesday they would oppose the bill. Speaker Mike Johnson criticized Democrats for “irrationally” opposing ICE and playing political games with essential homeland security funding.
Rep. Henry Cuellar of Texas, representing a Trump-leaning district, supported the bill despite concerns, noting Republicans control all branches of government currently. He said the oversight provisions Democrats secured, including body camera funding and increased inspector general resources, made passage worthwhile.
If Democrats win the House majority in midterm elections, they face difficult decisions about reining in ICE under Trump while debating whether to eliminate the agency. Rep. Pramila Jayapal argues Democrats should explain comprehensively why immigration systems are broken rather than trying to appear tougher than Republicans on enforcement.
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