President Trump on Sunday said Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will help with airport security for “as long as it takes” as passengers complain of longer wait times amid the partial government shutdown.
Earlier Sunday, White House border czar Tom Homan said ICE would assist at airports but would not be involved specifically in security screening.
The president told NewsNation’s Hannah Brandt that Democrats wanted to make a deal in regard to funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Senate Democrats have so far rejected proposals to fund DHS that do not come with immigration enforcement changes.
“Now that I did this, the Democrats want to make a deal,” Trump told Brandt in a phone call in regard to ICE agents helping at airports.
“And I don’t think any deal should be made on this until they approve SAVE America,” he added.
Trump has pressured Senate Republicans to pass the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE America) Act, which would require proof of citizenship for voter registration and largely do away with mail in ballots except for special circumstances.
The president and a few House Republicans have vowed not to advance any bills until the SAVE Act is passed.
The White House did not respond to The Hill’s request for comment on if the president would block the approval of a potential funding package.
Meanwhile, DHS has been shuttered since Feb. 14. Democrats have played hard ball with Republicans on ICE reforms with demands for judicial warrants, no face masks and body worn cameras during immigration operations.
Party leaders called for DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to be fired over the handling of investigations into federal immigration authorities following the death of two U.S. citizens.
Trump dismissed her from his Cabinet earlier this month following outrage for her decisions while in leadership. Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) has been selected as her replacement and faces a Senate confirmation vote as soon as Monday.
