Sen. Adam Schiff Vows to Block ICE Funding Even If Government Shuts Down [WATCH]

Sen. Adam Schiff said Sunday that he will refuse to support any additional funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement or the U.S. Border Patrol, even if that decision contributes to a partial federal government shutdown, as Breitbart reported.

Schiff, a Democrat from California, made the remarks during an appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press” in a discussion centered on looming funding deadlines for the Department of Homeland Security and the possibility of another shutdown if Congress fails to reach an agreement.

NBC host Kristen Welker pressed Schiff on whether he was prepared to vote against DHS funding, noting that a partial shutdown could occur as early as Friday if Democrats oppose the measure.

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Welker referenced the length of a recent shutdown and asked what role Congress could play in avoiding another one.

“What, if any, role can Congress play?” Welker asked.

“Obviously, the government could partially shut down again on Friday if Democrats vote against this DHS funding measure. My question for you, Senator, are you prepared to vote against DHS funding if it means partially shutting down the government again, coming on the heels of an incredibly long shutdown?”

Schiff responded by stating unequivocally that he would not support additional funding for immigration enforcement agencies.

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“Well, I’m not giving ICE or Border Patrol another dime, given how this agency, these agencies are operating,” Schiff said. “Democrats are not going to fund that.”

Schiff then placed responsibility for a potential shutdown on Republicans, arguing that they are choosing to link DHS funding to broader government spending.

“The government will shut down if Republicans insist that that be joined with other government funding; it will be a Republican decision,” Schiff said.

“They understand we’re not going to go along with this, and we hope some of the Republicans in the Senate will see those scenes in the streets and vote against that continuation of violence, also.”

He continued by asserting that Republicans would bear responsibility for both a shutdown and the consequences of continued immigration enforcement operations if funding is approved.

“But if they don’t, it will be their decision whether to couple that funding for these ICE and Border Patrol agents with all these other government agencies,” Schiff said.

“They will make the decision. They’re in the majority if they want to shut down the government so they can perpetuate this violence.”

Schiff concluded by warning that lawmakers who vote in favor of additional funding would be accountable for future consequences.

“But I’m not going to be a part of it,” Schiff said. “And I think anyone who votes to give them more money to do this will share in the responsibility and see more Americans die in our cities as a result.”

HERE WE GO AGAIN

Adam Schiff says Democrats will force another government shutdown to make sure ICE can’t get funding

Adam Schiff “I’m not giving ICE or Border Patrol another dime”

Families will again go hungry without EBT payments because of Democratspic.twitter.com/dhYKsC91rO

— Wall Street Apes (@WallStreetApes) January 25, 2026

The comments come as Congress faces another funding deadline and ongoing debates over border security, immigration enforcement, and DHS operations.

Republicans currently hold the Senate majority, giving them control over which funding measures advance, while Democrats have signaled unified opposition to continued funding for ICE and Border Patrol.

No immediate agreement has been announced as lawmakers continue negotiations ahead of the shutdown deadline.

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