Border Democrat Rejects 'Defund ICE' Push, Seeks Balanced Immigration Policy

A longtime Democratic House member representing a southern border district has rejected the 'defund ICE' push, emphasizing the need for strong border and immigration policies. Henry Cuellar, who is poised to become chairman of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, told Fox News Digital that the 'defund ICE' movement is not representative of the majority of Democrats. Cuellar, who is currently the ranking member of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, is highly critical of ICE's tactics, including targeting immigrants without criminal records and conditions in detention centers. He also criticizes the Trump administration's immigration enforcement tactics, particularly the fatal shootings of two American citizens by ICE agents in Minnesota. Cuellar argues for a balanced approach to immigration policy, working with both Democrats and Republicans over the next two years. He also criticizes the Biden administration's border policies, warning against opening up the border and allowing anyone to claim asylum. Cuellar has repeatedly broken with his party on immigration enforcement, including voting with Republicans in January to approve a DHS funding bill that included billions for ICE, though he later opposed a $70 billion Republican-backed enforcement package over concerns about oversight. He also criticizes the Trump administration's Operation Lone Star, calling it a political 'grandstand.' Cuellar believes that local law enforcement should have a limited role in immigration enforcement, with only reporting illegal immigrants being acceptable. He also criticizes Texas Governor Greg Abbott for not doing enough to work with the federal government during Operation Lone Star. Cuellar argues that there needs to be a balance and nuance in how immigration policy is carried out, and he wants to work with Trump and Republicans over the next two years. He believes that there are Democrats who are willing to work with the administration, with President Trump, but it takes two to have a deal. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and CBP Assistant Commissioner Hilton Beckham have both stated that deportations will continue, emphasizing the need to secure the border, protect American lives, and control everything and everyone coming into the country.