Top officials from three key immigration agencies will testify before the House Committee on Homeland Security on Tuesday. This comes as lawmakers face a tight funding deadline for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The officials scheduled to appear include Todd Lyons, acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Rodney Scott, Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection, and Joseph Edlow, Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. They will also return to Capitol Hill on Thursday for a Senate hearing.
This inquiry follows a tragic incident involving the shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti by federal immigration officers, sparking demands for transparency. Committee Chairman Andrew Garbarino emphasized the need for clear communication to ease tensions and maintain trust.
Recent polling indicates that many Americans feel federal agents have “gone too far” in immigration enforcement. According to a survey by Marist, about 68% of respondents share this sentiment, reflecting growing public concern over aggressive tactics used by agencies like ICE. This scrutiny places added pressure on Republicans, who generally support the Trump administration’s tough immigration policies while also acknowledging rising criticism in light of recent fatalities.
As the DHS funding deadline approaches, lawmakers are exploring potential reforms to immigration enforcement that Democrats demand before approving funding. The GOP has proposed a path forward; however, Democrats have deemed it insufficient and lacking detail.
Some proposals, such as requiring officers to wear body cameras, enjoy bipartisan support. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced that body cameras would be rolled out to field officers in Minneapolis first, with plans for national expansion. Such measures aim to increase accountability and trust between agencies and the public.
Other recommendations, like requiring officers to display their names and avoiding face coverings, are more contentious. Democrats argue these changes align immigration enforcement with standard law enforcement practices while Republicans caution that banning face masks could expose agents to harm.
Additionally, further reforms are being suggested, including prohibiting immigration enforcement near schools and healthcare facilities, developing agent training programs, and ensuring proper warrant processes for detentions to protect Fourth Amendment rights.
If lawmakers fail to agree on a budget, temporary funding might be needed to keep the DHS running. Unlike previous government shutdowns, only the DHS faces funding lapses, which could disrupt vital services, including air travel and emergency responses.
As discussions unfold, both the Senate and House will break for Presidents Day next week, leaving lawmakers with limited time to resolve funding issues.
NPR’s Ximena Bustillo contributed to this report.
