Foster Statement on DHS Shutdown

Washington, DC — Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) released the following statement after funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) lapsed and the agency shut down:

“Trump and Kristi Noem’s DHS is out of control. From aggressive operations across Illinois to the killing of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis, the path forward is clear: DHS must be held accountable, and Congress must step in to enact meaningful changes. 

“Democrats have proposed commonsense reforms including body cameras for ICE agents, requiring judicial warrants for enforcement actions, strict restraints on the use of force, stronger transparency requirements, and independent investigations into misconduct. These are basic guardrails that local law enforcement agencies across the country already follow. As long as Republicans refuse to implement these measures, I will vote against any funding for DHS.” 

Last month, Congressman Foster voted against the DHS appropriations bill that would have funded the agency through September 30, 2026. Read his statement on that vote here. 

Congressman Foster is a cosponsor of Rep. Robin Kelly’s articles of impeachment against Kristi Noem. Read his newsletter calling for accountability from DHS leadership here.

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