White House Offers Immigration Concessions as Tension Mounts over DHS Shutdown
The White House is offering concessions on immigration enforcement in a bid to end the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown, which is more than a month long.
In a letter to Senate Republican appropriations leaders, the administration proposed expanding the use of body cameras, increasing oversight of detention facilities, and limiting immigration enforcement activities at “sensitive locations” like churches and schools. But there is a “narrow carve-out for immediate needs like national security, flight risks, and public safety."
The administration remains opposed to a core demand from Democrats, a ban on federal officers wearing masks in most circumstances. It did however include a provision that would require federal agents to say who they are when asked (undercover officers excluded).
Some Senate Democrats called it a step in the right direction but stated it does not go far enough.
Stated Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI), it’s “a lot better than what they have been trickling out to us, so maybe we’re going to get somewhere.”
Airport Security Lines Are a Flashpoint
This comes as pressure increases on Congress to end the shutdown. Security lines are mounting at some of the nation’s airports as employees at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) continue to report to work without being paid and some are calling out.
At Houston Hobby Airport, 41 percent of TSA employees called out on Tuesday, March 17, while 34 percent called out at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, the busiest in the world.
And union leaders are warning of further uncertainty.
"The morale is getting worse by the day because no one knows when this is gonna end," said Cameron Cochems, a union steward and lead TSA officer in Boise, Idaho.
Senator Mullin Confirmation Hearing
Meanwhile, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee advanced the nomination of Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) to become DHS Secretary replacing the fired Kristi Noem.
The 8-7 vote was mostly along party lines, with Republican Chairman Rand Paul voting no and Pennsylvania Democrat John Fetterman voting to advance after a testy confirmation hearing.
The hearing covered a wide-range of topics including immigration enforcement, the shutdown, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Senator Mullin said that his goal is for DHS to not be the “lead story every single day,” and to end the shutdown as soon as possible.
On immigration policy, Senator Mullin said he would require a judicial warrant to enter people’s homes or businesses unless they are pursuing someone who enters that location.
“I have not mixed words with that, and I haven’t changed my opinion about that,” said Senator Mullin.
On FEMA, Senator Mullin indicated he would end the Noem policy of requiring her office to approve any contracts or grants of $100,000 or more, which caused significant delays for communities needing disaster assistance.
The full Senate is expected to take up the nomination next week.
