Leader Schumer Floor Remarks On Democrats’ Demands To Rein In ICE And End The Violence

Washington, D.C. – Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) today spoke on the Senate floor calling on Republicans to work together with Democrats to fund the government and negotiate on legislation to rein in ICE. Below are Senator Schumer’s remarks, which can also be viewed here:

As the Senate gavels into session, members are working to move forward on a deal to fund the government—and to get working on legislation desperately needed to rein in ICE’s abuses.

If Republicans are serious about the very reasonable demands Democrats have put forward on ICE, then there is no good reason we can’t come together very quickly to produce legislation. It should take less than two weeks, because what we are asking for is very simple and our Republican colleagues know that we need to make changes. Now, time is of the essence.

Senate Democrats are very clear on what the nation needs right now.

First: we need to rein in ICE and end the violence. That means ending roving patrols. It means requiring rules, oversight, and judicial warrants.

Second: we need real accountability over ICE and Border Patrol.

Third: masks need to come off, cameras need to stay on, and officers need visible identification. No secret police.

These are not radical demands. They’re basic standards the American people already expect from law enforcement. I hope we can get voting quickly here in the Senate today, so we can move forward on the important work of reining in ICE. The clock is ticking, the nation is waiting, and the abuses of ICE must come to an end.

###