"Democrats in the US Senate have blocked a funding package for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) amid ongoing fury over the Trump administration's crackdown and the deaths of two people in Minneapolis. Thursday's vote means that the department is almost certain to shut down at midnight on Friday evening, affecting a range of services yet largely leaving the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) the target of Democrats' ire unaffected because it is already the recipient of lavish federal funding."
"Democrats maintained their opposition after the White House refused to bow to their demands for major reforms in how ICE is run. Proposed changes included agents wearing identification and body cameras and being barred from operating near schools, medical facilities, churches, polling stations, childcare facilities and courts. Democrats also demanded that local and state law enforcement agencies be guaranteed the right to handle investigations into potential crimes committed by federal authorities, including excessive use of force."
Democrats in the US Senate blocked a Department of Homeland Security funding package after outrage over federal enforcement actions and the deaths of two Minneapolis residents. The failed vote, 52-47, fell short of the 60 votes required to overcome a filibuster, making a DHS shutdown likely at midnight Friday. ICE operations in Minneapolis were largely withdrawn following the controversy. Democrats demanded reforms including agent identification, body cameras, geographic restrictions near schools, medical facilities, churches, polling places, childcare sites and courts, and assurance that local and state authorities can investigate federal agents. Republicans backed body cameras but rejected broader constraints.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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