Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN) addressed questions Tuesday about the future of federal funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement during an appearance on CNN’s “The Source,” signaling she would not support additional funding for the agency under current conditions while calling for bipartisan involvement in setting clearer standards. The exchange came as Congress faces ongoing debates over government funding levels and the possibility of shutdowns tied to unresolved disputes over immigration enforcement and federal oversight.
Host Kaitlan Collins asked directly, “Would you be willing to shut the government down when it comes to ICE funding, like some of your Democratic colleagues have suggested?” Smith responded by emphasizing her opposition to increased funding absent changes to how the agency operates. “Well, listen, what I have said is that I can’t see any way that I could provide more funding to an agency that is completely out of control,” she said. Her remarks reflect broader tensions in Washington over how immigration laws are enforced and how federal agencies are supervised by Congress.
Smith went on to outline what she described as a potential path forward involving both parties. “I’d like to see Democrats and Republicans come together and say, let’s establish at least some standards here that ICE agents would need to not wear masks, that they need to have basic training,” she said. She framed the issue as one of congressional responsibility, adding, “I think that this is the role and the responsibility of Congress to exercise some oversight and some discipline over what is happening here.”
The comments arrive at a time when federal agencies, including ICE, operate under budgets approved by Congress, with funding decisions carrying implications for enforcement capacity, staffing, and operational priorities. Disagreements over those budgets can have ripple effects across the broader federal government, including the risk of partial or full shutdowns if lawmakers fail to reach agreement. Such outcomes can affect federal employees, contractors, and services that rely on consistent appropriations.
Smith emphasized the need for cooperation rather than unilateral action, saying, “So, I am looking to people on both sides of the aisle to try to bring some sanity to what’s happening in my home state.” Her focus on bipartisan standards highlights the ongoing role of Congress in balancing agency authority with oversight, a process that can shape how immigration laws are carried out on the ground and how public safety and accountability are addressed within existing legal frameworks.
Two-Paragraph Summary:
Sen. Tina Smith said Tuesday that she would not support additional funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement under current circumstances, responding to a question on CNN’s “The Source” about whether she would back a government shutdown tied to ICE funding. Asked by host Kaitlan Collins if she would be willing to shut down the government over the issue, Smith replied, “I can’t see any way that I could provide more funding to an agency that is completely out of control,” while stopping short of explicitly endorsing a shutdown.
Smith called for bipartisan action to establish clearer standards and congressional oversight for the agency, saying, “I’d like to see Democrats and Republicans come together and say, let’s establish at least some standards here.” She described oversight and discipline as core responsibilities of Congress and said she is seeking cooperation from both parties to address concerns related to ICE operations, particularly as broader funding negotiations continue in Washington.
