House Democrats Push for Reform of Department of Homeland Security Amid Government Shutdown

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) has called for significant reforms to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as part of ongoing negotiations surrounding government funding. This push comes in the wake of a partial government shutdown and heightened tensions following the fatal shooting of two U.S. citizens by federal law enforcement in Minneapolis.

Jeffries: DHS should be 'dramatically reformed' after Democrats delay government funding bill

The Senate recently passed a package of funding bills, excluding a DHS funding bill, and instead approved a two-week continuing resolution to allow for negotiations on immigration enforcement reforms. Jeffries has indicated that House Democrats will not support fast-tracking this funding package, which could prolong the shutdown that began on February 1, 2026.

House minority leader says Republicans can’t rely on Democrats to pass funding bill, raising fears of longer shutdown

Hakeem Jeffries has emerged as a leading voice for reforming ICE operations, advocating for measures such as mandatory body cameras for agents, prohibiting the use of masks during operations, and requiring judicial warrants before arrests. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) has echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for accountability and a change in DHS practices.

Jeffries: DHS should be 'dramatically reformed' after Democrats delay government funding bill

Jeffries stated, “What is clear is that the Department of Homeland Security needs to be dramatically reformed,” and he expressed that the current administration has been “lawless from the very beginning.” He further articulated that the reforms are necessary to ensure that ICE agents act like other law enforcement agencies rather than “masked thugs” engaging in brutality against law-abiding citizens.

LEADER JEFFRIES ON ABC: “THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY NEEDS TO BE DRAMATICALLY REFORMED” – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries

Critics have pointed out that Jeffries' demand for a ban on the deportation of U.S. citizens is redundant, as it is already illegal for DHS to deport citizens under normal circumstances. Some have argued that the real issue lies not in the absence of legal protections but in the enforcement of existing laws. Additionally, dissenting voices within the Democratic Party have expressed skepticism about the Trump administration's willingness to implement meaningful reforms.

Jeffries’s DHS Demand Is a Ban on Deporting Citizens — Which Is Already Illegal

While Jeffries and Schumer have outlined specific demands for reform, there is a lack of clarity on whether these reforms will be effectively implemented or if they will be met with resistance from the Trump administration. Furthermore, the extent of public support for these reforms remains uncertain, as many Americans have expressed a desire for more drastic changes to immigration enforcement practices.

Jeffries: DHS should be 'dramatically reformed' after Democrats delay government funding bill

As the House prepares to reconvene, Democrats are expected to hold discussions on their reform demands. The outcome of these negotiations will be critical in determining whether the government can avoid a prolonged shutdown and how DHS will operate moving forward. Jeffries has made it clear that Democrats will require significant changes to the DHS funding bill before they can support its passage.

House minority leader says Republicans can’t rely on Democrats to pass funding bill, raising fears of longer shutdown

• “The administration can't just talk the talk. They need to walk the walk. That should begin today, not in two weeks.” — Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader

Partial government shutdown expected to extend longer than anticipated

• “In what country are we living in if it’s controversial to prohibit [the deportation] of American citizens?” — Hakeem Jeffries

Jeffries demands ban on deportation of US citizens as part of DHS reforms

• “This is not border security, this is not law and order, this is chaos — created at the top and felt in so many of our neighborhoods,” — Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader

Jeffries demands ban on deportation of US citizens as part of DHS reforms

• “The bottom line is very simple: the American people are crying out for change,” — Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader

Partial government shutdown expected to extend longer than anticipated

• “[The Trump administration has] been lawless from the very beginning.” — Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader

Jeffries: DHS should be 'dramatically reformed' after Democrats delay government funding bill