Rep. Lou Correa (D-CA) has admitted that Democrats have little leverage in the current standoff with President Donald Trump’s administration over the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Appearing on CNN’s “The Brief,” Correa acknowledged what Democrats have been reluctant to say publicly.
Correa conceded that the $170 billion Congress allocated to DHS through last year’s reconciliation bill allows Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to continue operating even amid a partial shutdown.
“Big, beautiful bill, $170 billion, they can continue moving forward on this very small shutdown and continue to do what they’re doing,” Correa said.
“They have the cards.
“We have very few cards, and that’s why we have to hold firm on this one.”
His comments amounted to a candid admission that the enforcement mechanisms Democrats are now trying to constrain are already funded and operational.
A Shutdown with Limited Impact
Correa described the shutdown as “very small,” underscoring that the core immigration enforcement functions remain unaffected.
The funding in question, passed through reconciliation last year, provides DHS with the resources necessary to continue deportation and border enforcement operations.
That reality, Correa acknowledged, leaves Democrats with limited negotiating power.
Despite that, he argued Democrats should maintain their position and demand what he described as “guardrails” on immigration enforcement.
The “Guardrails” Debate
Correa attributed the push for added restrictions to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), saying Democrats want ICE to obtain warrants, respect churches, and protect citizens’ rights during enforcement operations.
“Nobody objects to constitutional protections,” Correa suggested, framing the proposal as a matter of oversight.
However, critics argue that additional procedural requirements, including expanded warrant mandates and protected zones, would significantly slow enforcement operations that Trump campaigned on restoring.
Correa also accused ICE of going “after anybody that gets in their way, including Americans,” and claimed DHS has shifted from a national security role to functioning as “a police force.”
He referenced individuals in his district whom he said were “beaten, arrested, jailed by ICE.”
However, Correa did not provide any evidence, names, documentation, or specific case details during the interview.
Broader Immigration Fight
Correa acknowledged that President Donald Trump “promised to deport the most serious of criminals,” referring to the administration’s stated enforcement priority.
The $170 billion funding package supports expanded operations at ICE and CBP, resources Republicans argue are necessary to restore border security and interior enforcement after years of elevated illegal crossings.
Democrats now find themselves opposing enforcement mechanisms that were funded through legislation they supported.
A Strategic Bind
Correa’s remarks highlight a broader challenge for Democrats:
• The funding for DHS enforcement is already in place.
• Core ICE and CBP operations continue unaffected.
• The shutdown affects only limited agency functions.
• Public polling has shown strong support for stricter immigration enforcement.
By publicly stating, “They have the cards. We have very few cards,” Correa underscored the political difficulty facing his party in attempting to use a partial shutdown to extract concessions.
With ICE and CBP funded and operational, the White House faces limited immediate pressure to alter its enforcement posture.
Correa’s blunt assessment may have been intended as a call for unity.
Instead, it served as a rare on-air acknowledgment of the uphill battle Democrats face in challenging the administration’s immigration agenda.
READ MORE – Fetterman Slams ‘Clueless’ AOC Over ‘Anti-Israel’ Remarks in Munich
Our comment section is restricted to members of the Slay News community only.
To join, create a free account HERE.
If you are already a member, log in HERE.