Representing a southern‑border district that includes Laredo, Rep. Henry Cuellar (D‑Texas) told Fox News Digital that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is “not going anywhere” and that the push to “defund” the agency is a fringe effort by a small group of progressive Democrats.
Cuellar’s stance on ICE funding
Cuellar emphasized that the majority of Democrats, like himself, oppose any effort to strip ICE of its budget. “I don’t believe in defunding ICE and I think the majority of the Democrats do not believe in defunding ICE,” he said, adding that the agency needs “serious rail guards” to continue its mission.
He warned that returning to the border policies of the previous administration would jeopardize public safety. “We just can’t open up the border and say anybody that wants to claim asylum can come to the borders,” Cuellar said, referencing the approach taken under the Biden administration.
Influence over ICE appropriations
As the current ranking member of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, Cuellar is poised to become chairman, giving him significant sway over how ICE funding is allocated. He has a record of breaking with his party on immigration enforcement, including voting with Republicans in January to approve a Department of Homeland Security funding bill that included billions for ICE.
While he later opposed a $70 billion Republican‑backed enforcement package over oversight concerns, Cuellar remains committed to ensuring ICE can operate within the bounds of the law and with appropriate oversight.
Collaboration with President Trump
Cuellar expressed a willingness to work with President Trump and Republican leaders on immigration issues. “There are Democrats who are willing to work with the administration, with President Trump, but it takes two to have a deal,” he said.
The congressman highlighted that cooperation between federal and local authorities is essential. He noted that Texas law now requires most county sheriffs to seek 287(g) agreements, allowing local officers to assist with immigration enforcement, jail screening, and administrative warrants.
Local law‑enforcement role
Cuellar advocated for a limited role for local sheriffs, stating, “I think the local sheriff should report somebody that’s there illegally. I think that’s it. But anything beyond that, we need to have a discussion.”
He also criticized the Biden administration’s handling of the border, aligning with former Border Patrol Chief Raul Ortiz, who said the previous administration sent mixed messages to migrants.
Broader political context
The debate over ICE funding reflects a broader partisan divide, with more than a dozen progressive Democrats elected in the recent midterms calling for the agency’s abolition. Cuellar described these members as “one part of the spectrum” and emphasized that many “blue dogs” share his commitment to strong border and immigration policies.
Democratic Governor‑elect Gina Hinojosa, also from the border region, has criticized certain Texas immigration enforcement tactics but has not called for a full defunding of ICE. Cuellar noted that Hinojosa likely supports transparency and appropriate safeguards for the agency.
Looking ahead
With the upcoming congressional session, Cuellar expects to shape ICE appropriations and continue bipartisan dialogue aimed at securing the border, protecting American lives, and upholding the rule of law.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
