Particle.news
Get it on Google Play
Download on the App Store
5 ARTICLES
·
last wk.

Cortez Masto Calls Democrats ‘Weak on Immigration’ as DHS Funding Standoff Over ICE Enters Second Week

She proposes restoring ICE to prior funding levels with some resources redirected to local law enforcement to pair enforcement with dignity for migrants.

The Nevada Independent Logo
ICE
Image
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 05: U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) listens as U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent testifies during a Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs hearing in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on February 05, 2026 in Washington, DC. The Committee met to hear testimony on the Financial Stability Oversight Council’s Annual Report to Congress. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Overview

  • On The New York Times’ The Daily, Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto said Democrats have been weak on immigration and insisted the party can secure the border while respecting migrants.
  • She rejected fully defunding ICE, saying the agency should be funded at traditional levels while shifting some money to state and local police.
  • Her remarks came during a partial DHS shutdown after most Senate Democrats voted against a funding bill that included roughly $64.4 billion for DHS and about $10 billion for ICE.
  • Fox News reported the DHS inspector general paused most audits and inspections during the funding lapse, including many tied to ICE oversight.
  • Right-leaning outlets amplified her comments; in a separate Nevada event, she labeled the Trump administration’s approach to immigration enforcement as racist and described reports of masked agents frightening communities.