Border Dem poised to wield ICE purse strings rejects socialist ‘defund’ push

Representative Henry Cuellar says he opposes calls from some progressive Democrats to abolish or defund Immigration and Customs Enforcement, arguing the agency will remain in place. His position matters because he is expected to chair a House subcommittee with significant influence over ICE funding, while Democrats debate border enforcement and the agency’s oversight.

Cuellar, a Texas Democrat whose district includes Laredo, supports strong border policies but says ICE needs safeguards and greater oversight. He has backed some funding for the agency while opposing a separate $70 billion enforcement package over oversight concerns, and he has criticised arrests of people without criminal records. He also urged Democrats not to return to the Biden administration’s asylum approach; the article says Texas requires most county sheriffs to seek agreements enabling local assistance with immigration enforcement.