Rep. Swalwell: House Must Pass DHS Bill, ICE Doesn’t Need More Funds

House Faces Vote on DHS Funding Bill Amidst ICE Debate

U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell, a member of the House Homeland Security Committee and a candidate for California governor, urged the House of Representatives to pass a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding bill that has already cleared the Senate. Swalwell stated that there is a national consensus to fund essential personnel like TSA agents, rather than agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

“The consensus in the country is that we should fund and pay TSA and other folks at Homeland Security and not fund Border Patrol and ICE,” Swalwell said in a recent interview. He criticized the current administration’s approach, suggesting they believe they can act without public consequence.

Californians Demand Reforms for ICE

Speaking for his constituents, Swalwell highlighted a strong sentiment across California for significant changes within ICE. “People are saying they want to strip out ICE from the root to the branch,” he explained, indicating a desire for fundamental reform or even abolition of the agency.

Despite discussions about potential funding issues, Swalwell pointed out that ICE has already received funding through a larger budget bill. “All of this sometimes this whole hoopla about ICE is not getting funded, yeah, it’s been funded,” he stated. He shared an anecdote about a Department of Homeland Security employee who expressed frustration over the political stalemate, asking why Republicans would not simply pass funding for essential services.

“Why can’t Republicans just pass funding for the rest of us? ICE doesn’t need any more.”

Criticism of ICE Operations and Effectiveness

Swalwell questioned the necessity and methods of ICE operations, particularly citing reports of the agency’s actions. He raised concerns about the agency’s focus, stating, “We were told they’d go after the most violent instead. Ninety-four percent of the people who’ve been arrested and deported were non-violent criminals.” This statistic, he argued, undermines the agency’s stated mission and raises questions about its priorities.

He also challenged the perception that ICE’s actions are essential, noting instances where individuals apprehended by ICE were later seen assisting travelers at airports. “If they are so easily moved from our streets where they’re terrorizing people to passing out bottles of water in the airport, did we really need them terrorizing people in the first place?” Swalwell asked, suggesting that the agency’s presence and tactics may be excessive.

Democrats Seek Reforms, Accuse White House of Political Maneuvering

According to reporting by Punchbowl News, the recent legislative strategy involved a two-step process intended to negotiate separate demands for ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reforms. Democrats, however, felt they gained little from the agreement, with some suggesting that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer may have conceded valuable leverage.

Swalwell clarified the Democratic position: “We’re not giving ICE or CBP a penny.” He outlined proposed reforms, including requiring ICE agents to wear masks and identification, mark their vehicles, and obtain warrants before making arrests. “I don’t want to fund ICE, I want to make the reforms,” he stated, adding, “I want to abolish them. I want them out of our communities.”

President Blamed for Border Issues and Economic Woes

The interview touched upon President Biden’s remarks, where he blamed Democrats for political fallout related to border security and long airport lines. Swalwell strongly rejected this narrative.

“I’m not going to pay for public executions,” Swalwell declared, dismissing the President’s claims as illogical. He drew a parallel between the President blaming Democrats for airport delays and blaming Democrats for the war in Iran, calling both accusations baseless. Swalwell asserted that the current administration’s policies, particularly regarding tariffs and energy prices, have negatively impacted Californians.

“He said he’d lower prices on day one. He put tariffs in place, jacked up the prices… we have spent almost $2 more per gallon on gasoline in California than we did the day Joe Biden took office.”

Focus on National Security and Funding Priorities

Swalwell expressed concern that the President’s focus is misplaced, prioritizing domestic political agendas over national security. He criticized the administration for what he described as a focus on political enemies within the FBI and a reluctance to fund essential security personnel while pursuing what he termed a “domestic terror unit.”

“His priorities are making us less safe,” Swalwell argued. He urged the President to direct Republicans to pass the DHS funding bill, suggesting it could be done quickly, similar to the Senate’s process. Swalwell concluded by stating, “This guy has more plans for his ballroom at the White House than he does for protecting the homeland, fighting a war in Iran and bringing down the costs as he promised he would on day one.”

What’s Next for DHS Funding

The House is expected to vote on the DHS funding bill. The outcome will determine if essential services can be funded without additional appropriations for ICE, as Representative Swalwell and other Democrats advocate. The debate highlights ongoing tensions between calls for immigration reform and the need for government funding, with national security and public safety remaining central concerns.

Source: 'ICE doesn't need any more money': Rep. Swalwell urges House to pass DHS bill (YouTube)