Democrats lay out demands for DHS funding, urging GOP to "get serious" with both sides far apart

Washington — Democratic leaders on Wednesday outlined their demands for funding the Department of Homeland Security beyond next week, reiterating several policy proposals to rein in the Trump administration's immigration enforcement practices — some of which Republicans have already rejected. 

Washington — Democratic leaders on Wednesday outlined their demands for funding the Department of Homeland Security beyond next week, reiterating several policy proposals to rein in the Trump administration's immigration enforcement practices — some of which Republicans have already rejected. 

"Taxpayer dollars should be used to make life more affordable for everyday Americans, not to brutalize or kill them," House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said at a news conference at the Capitol. "ICE is completely and totally out of control, immigration enforcement should be just, it should be fair, and it should be humane. That is not what is taking place right now."

Jeffries, who spoke alongside Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and other Democratic leaders, said "dramatic changes" are necessary at DHS, which oversees Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection. 

The House approved a funding package Tuesday that funded the bulk of the government through September and extended funding for DHS through Feb. 13. Democrats and Republicans are now up against the clock to reach an agreement on long-term funding or pass another short-term extension.

Jeffries said there are "several demands that we will articulate on behalf of the American people," which include the use of mandatory body cameras and requirements for judicial warrants for arrests in homes and cars. He also said federal agents should not wear masks in an "arbitrary and capricious fashion" and that Congress should prevent the detention and deportation of American citizens.