What Democrats are demanding in the fight over Immigration and Customs Enforcement funding

Associated Press (AP)EN 6 min read 100% complete by By MARY CLARE JALONICK and JOEY CAPPELLETTIFebruary 4, 2026 at 01:23 PM

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In February 2026, Congress is debating potential new restrictions for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) following the shooting deaths of two Minneapolis protesters by officers in January. Democrats are demanding changes to federal immigration enforcement, leading to negotiations with President Trump. However, a bipartisan agreement is expected to be difficult to reach, with Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune calling it "an impossibility." The negotiations arise from bipartisan concerns that Congress should intervene to reduce tensions surrounding enforcement operations that have impacted Minnesota and other states. President Trump agreed to a Democratic request to discuss the matter.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

White House 40% Minneapolis 40% Minnesota 40% Brian Schatz 40% Senate ×250% U.S. Customs and Border Protection 60% Chuck Schumer 60% Washington ×460% Congress ×270% John Thune ×270% Immigration and Customs Enforcement ×280% Donald Trump ×390%

Keywords

immigration enforcement 90% immigration and customs enforcement 80% funding 70% democrats 70% congress 60% negotiations 60% u.s. customs and border protection 50% bipartisan agreement 50% spending bill 40%