Booker Slams ICE Tactics, Urges Senate to Uphold Democratic Values

Booker Condemns ICE Operations Amidst Government Shutdown Debate

Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey has strongly criticized the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), describing them as “horrific, hellish things” happening in American communities. Speaking amid ongoing debates over a potential government shutdown, Booker voiced his refusal to allocate further funding to the agency, citing instances of what he termed “cruelty and chaos.” He highlighted concerns about ICE agents allegedly mistreating individuals, including “slamming Americans” and using “zip-ties.”

Senate Republicans Propose Alternative Funding for ICE

The controversy surrounding ICE funding comes as Senate Republicans explore a potential deal to reopen the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which is currently facing a funding lapse. According to reports, a proposal discussed by Senate Republicans involves passing additional money for ICE through a budget reconciliation process. This would allow for funding to be approved with a simple majority vote, bypassing the need for Democratic support.

Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana outlined a plan where Democrats would agree to fund all DHS agencies except ICE. Republicans would then use the reconciliation process to pass separate funding for ICE, aiming to end the shutdown and ensure DHS employees are paid. However, President Trump reportedly rejected this approach, leading to stalled negotiations and a return to the initial impasse.

Democrats Push Back on ICE Funding, Prioritize Other Agencies

Senator Booker expressed strong opposition to the Republican proposal, preferring what he called the “Jersey Get,” emphasizing that ICE’s actions do not align with his vision for communities. He stated that Democrats have repeatedly attempted to secure funding for essential agencies like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), FEMA, and the Coast Guard. Booker accused Republicans of blocking these efforts, effectively holding TSA agents and other federal workers “hostage” in an attempt to force concessions on ICE funding.

“We are fighting over ICE because they’ve been doing horrific, hellish things in our community, slamming Americans, putting them in zip-ties. If they want to fund that through reconciliation, which is a 50th vote threshold, that’s their prerogative. I’m not going to vote for another dollar for that agency.”

Booker explained that the Democratic stance is a refusal to provide more money to an agency perceived as “out of control” without significant policy changes. He argued that the current strategy of shutting down the entire DHS is a tactic to pressure moderate Democrats into accepting funding for ICE.

Trump’s “Save America Act” Criticized as Voter Suppression

The discussion also touched upon President Trump’s promotion of the “Save America Act.” Senator Booker vehemently criticized the bill, labeling it a “massive voter suppression bill.” He argued that it would create significant hurdles for millions of Americans, particularly women who have changed their names, making it difficult for their identification to match their current legal names. Booker believes this would lead to “chaos to voting” and significantly reduce the number of eligible voters.

He shared an anecdote about a conversation with a moderate Republican senator who was amused by the absurdity of tying the passage of such a bill to paying government workers. Booker suggested that Democrats should remain quiet and let Republicans like Senator Lisa Murkowski highlight the bill’s detrimental effects, which could require voters to travel vast distances for proper identification.

Booker Decries Political Meanness and Republican Silence

The conversation shifted to the broader tone of political discourse in the United States, particularly in the wake of a controversial statement by President Trump regarding the death of Robert Mueller. Senator Booker lamented the rise of “meanness” and the “vile way we treat each other” from the highest offices. He referenced Martin Luther King Jr.’s words, stating that he is more concerned by the “appalling silence and inaction of the good people” than the “vitriolic words and violent actions of the bad people.”

Booker expressed frustration with his Republican colleagues, whom he described as “good people” with whom he has private conversations about the state of the nation. However, he noted their fear or unwillingness to speak out publicly, calling it a “crisis of conviction.” He believes that while the U.S. has a history of demagogues, it has always been countered by courageous individuals, often from the same party, willing to speak truth to power. He stressed the urgent need for more Americans to stand up for the nation’s core values.

Call for Courage and Action in a Divided Nation

Senator Booker also addressed the need for accountability and checks and balances within the government, particularly concerning military engagements. He highlighted the lack of open hearings on significant military actions, despite troops being injured and lives lost. He criticized Republican colleagues for surrendering their oversight responsibilities and failing to hold the executive branch accountable, especially during a time of potential economic crisis.

In his new book, “Stand,” Senator Booker offers a path forward, drawing inspiration from historical and contemporary figures who have shown courage and virtue in challenging times. He emphasizes that ordinary Americans can achieve extraordinary things and that virtues like truth, humility, and grace are not just niceties but strategies for strength and progress. He urged listeners to embody the change they wish to see, citing examples of leaders like John McCain who championed patriotism and civility, even amidst political disagreement.

Booker concluded by advocating for a return to finding common ground and remembering the nation’s founding principle of being “one nation, indivisible.” He believes that true progress requires citizens and leaders to work together and stand for the best principles that have guided the country, urging a move away from divisiveness and toward unity.

Source: ICE has been doing horrific, hellish things in our communities: Sen. Booker (YouTube)