Sens. Klobuchar, Schiff Vow No Vote for DHS Funding After Latest Minneapolis Shooting
TL/DR –
Democratic Senators Amy Klobuchar and Adam Schiff have announced they will not support funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) following a fatal shooting of a US citizen by a federal agent in Minneapolis. Their defiance is shared by other Democrats, potentially blocking the appropriations bill which would need some Democratic votes to pass, stirring the possibility of a partial government shutdown at the end of the month. The issue arises after federal agents killed Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse, leading many to call for restrictions on immigration enforcement operations, while videos from witnesses contradict the Trump administration’s narrative around Pretti’s killing.
U.S. Senators Reject DHS Funding amid Controversy Over Fatal Shootings
Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) revealed in NBC News’ “Meet the Press” interviews that they will reject Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding in light of recent
incidents involving federal agents in Minneapolis.
Klobuchar expressed a strong stance against supporting the funding, referencing the fatal shootings of two constituents and aggressive immigration enforcement tactics. Schiff echoed this sentiment, stating that ICE and border patrol agencies would not receive any additional funding due to their current operations.
Other Democrats have also announced their intent to
oppose DHS funding until restrictions are implemented on immigration enforcement operations. This decision was influenced by the fatal shooting of
Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse, by a federal agent. If the appropriations bill fails to pass, it could lead to a partial government shutdown.
Schiff highlighted that the potential shutdown would be a Republican decision if they insist on combining ICE or border patrol funding with other government funds. Klobuchar urged her Republican colleagues to join Democrats in voting against DHS funding, stating that it would be in line with the Constitution.
The killing of Pretti was the second incident in Minneapolis this month involving federal agents; Renee Nicole Good was also
shot and killed by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer weeks ago. Videos from
witnesses appear to challenge the official narrative surrounding Pretti’s killing.
Klobuchar condemned the administration’s rhetoric and called for ICE to leave Minnesota, citing a decrease in safety. She also stated that while immigration enforcement and border control are necessary, the current function of ICE contradicts the principles of law enforcement.
Both senators stressed the need for transparent investigations into the killings of Pretti and Good. The Department of Homeland Security is currently leading the investigation into Pretti’s killing, with support from the Justice Department and FBI.
When asked about her political future, Klobuchar hinted at a potential run for governor of Minnesota. However, she stated that her current focus is on removing ICE from her state and addressing the issues at hand.
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