Lankford says Democrats made ‘absurd’ demand for no ICE presence at polls in DHS reform

Published March 29, 2026 3:38pm ET



Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) said Democrats are “demanding” multiple “absurd” requests in the reform for the Department of Homeland Security.

The House of Representatives rejected a Senate deal to reopen DHS as it continues its weekslong shutdown, pushing to fund all of DHS through May 22. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said the Democratic caucus “held the line” with this deal, which doesn’t fund U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or border security operations through Customs and Border Protection.

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