House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is refusing to back any DHS funding bill unless it includes an explicit prohibition against the detention and deportation of American citizens. The demand comes after a series of alarming incidents — including the fatal shooting of an ICU nurse by federal immigration agents — that have Democrats warning ICE has "gone too far." Jeffries argues the agency needs dramatic reform, including warrant requirements and a clear code of conduct.

While deporting American citizens is already illegal under federal law and the Immigration and Nationality Act, Jeffries argues an explicit restatement is necessary given the current administration's aggressive enforcement tactics. Democrats point to multiple cases where natural-born and naturalized citizens have been wrongfully detained or targeted by ICE, often for hours or days before their citizenship was confirmed. Jeffries' demand effectively sets up a showdown over DHS funding, with Democrats using their leverage to force accountability measures into any appropriations bill.