‘Thugs’: The Moderate Democrat Railing Against ICE - The Daily Recap
Podcast: The Daily
Published: 2026-02-19
Duration: 33 minutes
Guests: Catherine Cortez Masto, Hakeem Jeffries
Summary
Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, a moderate Democrat from Nevada, leads a Senate effort to withhold funding from the Department of Homeland Security in protest of the conduct of ICE agents. The episode explores her motivations and the broader political implications of the shutdown.
What Happened
Senator Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada is spearheading a Democratic-led shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, now in its sixth day, to demand changes in federal immigration enforcement. Despite her moderate background, she was compelled to act due to reports of ICE's aggressive and unconstitutional conduct in her state and nationwide.
The shutdown targets a significant increase in ICE's budget, which Republicans proposed to be $75 billion, far exceeding its typical allocation of $8 to $10 billion. Cortez Masto criticizes ICE's rapid hiring and inadequate training standards, which she believes contribute to the agency's problematic actions.
ICE agents have been reported to engage in excessive force and unconstitutional practices, prompting Democrats to push for reforms such as warrant requirements, visible IDs, and prohibiting masks. Senator Cortez Masto introduced legislation to redirect ICE funds toward local law enforcement, arguing that ICE has too much financial power.
The shutdown affects various services under DHS, including TSA, cybersecurity, FEMA, and the Coast Guard, raising concerns about national security and public safety. Despite these risks, Cortez Masto stresses the importance of enforcing immigration laws that respect constitutional rights and prioritize violent criminals.
Democrats face a political challenge, as they've traditionally been perceived as weak on immigration. However, they see the shutdown as a strategic move to appeal to swing state voters who desire effective yet fair enforcement.
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries emphasized that ICE requires dramatic reforms, and the funding bill will not proceed without these changes. As negotiations continue, Democratic leaders criticize President Trump and Republicans for their lack of urgency in resolving the shutdown.
Meanwhile, President Trump was seen on the golf course with Ron DeSantis amidst the crisis, highlighting a perceived disconnect from the urgent situation. The episode concludes with the notion that whether through policy changes or public messaging, the broader goal is to win support for a fair and just country.
Key Insights
- Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, typically a moderate, is leading a shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security to protest a proposed $75 billion ICE budget. This move is driven by reports of aggressive and unconstitutional conduct by ICE in her state of Nevada and beyond.
- ICE's budget proposal skyrocketed to $75 billion, a massive jump from its usual $8 to $10 billion. Cortez Masto argues this financial expansion enables rapid hiring and inadequate training, fueling the agency's problematic actions.
- Reports of ICE agents using excessive force and unconstitutional practices have spurred Democrats to demand reforms like requiring warrants, visible IDs, and banning masks. Cortez Masto's legislation seeks to redirect ICE funds to local law enforcement, claiming ICE's financial power is excessive.
- The DHS shutdown impacts services like TSA, cybersecurity, FEMA, and the Coast Guard, raising national security concerns. Despite these risks, Democrats aim to appeal to swing state voters by enforcing immigration laws that respect constitutional rights and prioritize violent criminals.
Key Questions Answered
What are the key issues Senator Catherine Cortez Masto has with ICE?
Senator Cortez Masto criticizes ICE for excessive force, unconstitutional practices, and rapid hiring with insufficient training. She advocates for reforms, including warrant requirements and visible IDs for agents.
How does the Department of Homeland Security shutdown affect public services?
The shutdown impacts services like TSA, cybersecurity, FEMA, and the Coast Guard, raising concerns about national security and public safety amidst a lack of funding.
What are the Democrats' demands for ending the DHS shutdown?
Democrats demand significant reforms in ICE's practices, including accountability measures and reallocation of funds, before agreeing to pass the DHS funding bill.