# Discussion regarding Democrats forcing a shutdown over ICE overreach (2026 ICE shootings) **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [January 26, 2026, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-regarding-democrats-forcing-a-shutdown-over-ice-overreach-2026-ice-shootings/1027058 "2026-01-26T21:32:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2026, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-regarding-democrats-forcing-a-shutdown-over-ice-overreach-2026-ice-shootings/1027058/1 "2026-01-26T21:32:13Z")
Continuing the discussion from [The ICE shootings in Minneapolis (1/7/2026)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ice-shootings-in-minneapolis-1-7-2026/1026461/1121): I mentioned that I supported this in the above thread, but am spinning it off as to not hijack the parent. In short - ICE actions in MN have been extremely unpopular., despite endless lies from the Administration, propaganda by Fox, and sanewashing from mass-media. The House recently passed legislation to fund the government but it’s heading to the Senate. While I deeply care about the major losses of income and trickle down effects from shutdowns (heck, it’s why I’m not currently fully employed), I think we’re at the point that NOT making the government step back, hold public and visible investigations into ICE, and have actual consequences for the individual shooters makes the shutdown by far the lesser of evils. Yes, there’s always the question of Democratic will - but it’s time to make the shutdown very pointed - no money for ICE in the resolutions or budget until AFTER ICE is moved out, investigations are held (not started in “two weeks”) and the multiple offenses against the Bill of Rights addressed by the SCOTUS (not sure I’ll be happy about that, but that’s yet another thread). ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2026, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-regarding-democrats-forcing-a-shutdown-over-ice-overreach-2026-ice-shootings/1027058/2 "2026-01-26T21:39:43Z")
> [@ParallelLines](#): > > Yes, there’s always the question of Democratic will - It isnt a question of “will” it is public perception. Last years shut down had initially public approval of Democratic Filibuster, but as time went on, this waned. The voting public approved of the Dems being stubborn over the ACA budget. But when it became clear the GOP wasnt going to give in, a Filibuster becomes pointless. So when the public starts to blame the Dems for a shutdown, then it is time to stop. Also of course we have the extreme MAGA wing that _wants_ the government to shut down- forever. ---
**Author:** ![steronz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steronz/32/11765_2.png) [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2026, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-regarding-democrats-forcing-a-shutdown-over-ice-overreach-2026-ice-shootings/1027058/3 "2026-01-26T21:40:32Z")
They shut down the government in October and things have only gotten worse since then. At this point I don’t feel like they even need to give a specific reason, other than “As long as this fascist administration is in charge, we’re not going to play along.” ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2026, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-regarding-democrats-forcing-a-shutdown-over-ice-overreach-2026-ice-shootings/1027058/4 "2026-01-26T21:46:15Z")
As mentioned by @steronz, as well as in my OP, I acknowledge the damage done by a shutdown, but said I -now- consider an extended shutdown as the _lesser_ of evils. They exerted legitimate power, and caved without any actual correction of the governmental ills. That has led directly to the stage we are in now. Rather than suggesting illegal actions, the time is to put the actual legal authority in play. Also, the Democratic Leadership needs to realize that they’ve lost a vast majority of the respect and confidence of their voters, outside of individuals like Walz (to a degree at least) - if they want to keep their own positions, they need to show some effective action. And by making it about the proven extralegal actions of ICE, they have a already popular target, and the Republican’s can take a moment to throw members of ICE under a bus, and pull back from the brink. Standing up for themselves and the people would arguably be a win for the next elections - doing nothing but protesting strongly is the wrong tactic IMHO to win voter turnout. ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2026, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-regarding-democrats-forcing-a-shutdown-over-ice-overreach-2026-ice-shootings/1027058/5 "2026-01-26T22:07:10Z")
We’ll see what happens, but anymore it seems that Democrats don’t _want_ my vote and I’m getting sick of propping up the lesser of two evils. If my country is this fucked, maybe I should let it fall apart and see if there’s anything worth picking up. ---
**Author:** ![HoneyBadgerDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/honeybadgerdc/32/1033_2.png) [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2026, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-regarding-democrats-forcing-a-shutdown-over-ice-overreach-2026-ice-shootings/1027058/6 "2026-01-26T22:07:57Z")
Instead of shutting down ICE, why not put a 100 ft restraining order on protesters? It is illegal to interfere with official police actions, and it greatly increases the risk of serious mistakes and can end in someone’s death. And I am quite sure these deaths will be thoroughly investigated and tried if charges are brought. We don’t have lynch mobs in this country, or whats left of this country. ---
**Author:** ![crowmanyclouds](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crowmanyclouds/32/19884_2.png) [@crowmanyclouds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crowmanyclouds)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2026, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-regarding-democrats-forcing-a-shutdown-over-ice-overreach-2026-ice-shootings/1027058/7 "2026-01-26T22:09:31Z")
> [@HoneyBadgerDC](#): > > It is illegal to interfere with official police actions ICE is not the police. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2026, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-regarding-democrats-forcing-a-shutdown-over-ice-overreach-2026-ice-shootings/1027058/8 "2026-01-26T22:10:57Z")
> [@HoneyBadgerDC](#): > > And I am quite sure these deaths will be thoroughly investigated and tried if charges are brought. Last I heard WRT Good was that the feds _won’t_ investigate and they’re blocking the state from getting the evidence they’d need to do their own investigation. ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2026, 10:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-regarding-democrats-forcing-a-shutdown-over-ice-overreach-2026-ice-shootings/1027058/9 "2026-01-26T22:13:02Z")
Does anyone have any cites for longlasting impact of the most recent shutdown on opinions? I wasn’t aware of it really waning. Instead, I thought many folk questioned ending it without getting anything. But IMO, it focussed attention on healthcare. Of course, now that ICE is shooting citizens in the streets, I’m not hearing much about healthcare. I get so weary of trying to figure out the budgeting gymnastics. What exactly would be shut down? I an a fed, but I have not received any notices, so I imagine we are funded. But I am all for the Dem Sens focussing all the attention they can on ICE/DHS/ ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2026, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-regarding-democrats-forcing-a-shutdown-over-ice-overreach-2026-ice-shootings/1027058/10 "2026-01-26T22:46:50Z")
Moderating: > [@HoneyBadgerDC](#): > > Instead of shutting down ICE, why not put a 100 ft restraining order on protesters? This may be worthy of discussion, but not in this thread. This thread was created expressly to discuss limiting ICE’s powers through Congress’s power of the purse. If you want to talk about boundaries or other measures that might be effective, please start a thread for that discussion. Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![DigitalC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ebca7d/32.png) [@DigitalC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DigitalC)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2026, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-regarding-democrats-forcing-a-shutdown-over-ice-overreach-2026-ice-shootings/1027058/11 "2026-01-26T22:47:04Z")
We do have lynch mobs, thats why we are protesting. ---
**Author:** ![steronz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steronz/32/11765_2.png) [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2026, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-regarding-democrats-forcing-a-shutdown-over-ice-overreach-2026-ice-shootings/1027058/12 "2026-01-26T22:51:31Z")
One “positive” outcome of a shutdown is that Trump will find some illegal way to continue funding ice, and that’s one more thing they can put on his impeachment. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2026, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-regarding-democrats-forcing-a-shutdown-over-ice-overreach-2026-ice-shootings/1027058/13 "2026-01-26T22:57:34Z")
Put on his impeachment? That has already been done…twice! ---
**Author:** ![DWMarch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dwmarch/32/1010_2.png) [@DWMarch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DWMarch)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2026, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-regarding-democrats-forcing-a-shutdown-over-ice-overreach-2026-ice-shootings/1027058/14 "2026-01-26T23:16:48Z")
ICE already has all the money they could possibly need. They got a budget increase to $85 billion and it’s already in their pockets. Taking away further money is certainly worth doing but won’t take away from what they already have. The $85 billion is only part of the overall $170 billion immigration enforcement package. So they have years of cash on hand and very little risk of losing it due to Republican Congressional support. > **[Big Budget Act Creates a “Deportation-Industrial Complex”](https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/big-budget-act-creates-deportation-industrial-complex)** > > The result will be a lopsided, enforcement-only machine that will be hard to dismantle. ---
**Author:** ![CoolHandCox](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/coolhandcox/32/16233_2.png) [@CoolHandCox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CoolHandCox)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2026, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-regarding-democrats-forcing-a-shutdown-over-ice-overreach-2026-ice-shootings/1027058/15 "2026-01-26T23:59:23Z")
That is a lot of extra money that ICE got no doubt. But I think restricting their base money can make a difference. If we’re just talking ICE, rough math says they currently get about $18B/year “extra” from that supplemental Big Beautiful Bill - they don’t get it all at once. This current yearly appropriation will give ICE it’s yearly $10B/year. So about 1/3 of their budget can (still) be restricted. I promise they are definitely counting on getting that money; it’s not coming out of nowhere like the BBB. Or just don’t approve it at all since they have so much from the supplemental and are using it for such awful purposes. Late: _My point from the other thread was how this wasn’t a big deal/I haven’t heard much about it and it’s a lot of money that is being given to ICE in a bipartisan vote. And it’s literally the easiest/best way for Congress to stand up to a President who’s out of control._ ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2026, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-regarding-democrats-forcing-a-shutdown-over-ice-overreach-2026-ice-shootings/1027058/16 "2026-01-26T23:59:33Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > It isnt a question of “will” it is public perception. Last years shut down had initially public approval of Democratic Filibuster, but as time went on, this waned. The voting public approved of the Dems being stubborn over the ACA budget. But when it became clear the GOP wasnt going to give in, a Filibuster becomes pointless. So when the public starts to blame the Dems for a shutdown, then it is time to stop. What the public likes is a winner. They may get angry at the time, but when elections come around all they’ll remember is that the Democrats stood up to Trump and won. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2026, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-regarding-democrats-forcing-a-shutdown-over-ice-overreach-2026-ice-shootings/1027058/17 "2026-01-27T01:48:13Z")
> [@ParallelLines](#): > > As mentioned by @steronz, as well as in my OP, I acknowledge the damage done by a shutdown, but said I -now- consider an extended shutdown as the _lesser_ of evils. They exerted legitimate power, and caved without any actual correction of the governmental ills. They stopped the Filibuster due to two things- 1. It was clear the GOP wasnt going to give in. 2. Public perception was starting to go against the Dems. Look, the Dems stand was partially responsible for their sweep in the Nov 25 elections. > [@ParallelLines](#): > > Standing up for themselves and the people would arguably be a win for the next elections - doing nothing but protesting strongly is the wrong tactic Continuing the Filibuster was doing exactly that- nothing. You cant threaten Brer Rabbit with the thorn bush. What do you want? A long and pointless government shut down- or the democrats winning Congress in November? > [@Alessan](#): > > What the public likes is a winner. They may get angry at the time, but when elections come around all they’ll remember is that the Democrats stood up to Trump and won. How would shutting down the government be 'winning"? Now, if they do a Filibuster and the GOP give in- great- that is winning. But after a while, if the GOP refuses to deal, and the public switches from blaming the GOP to blaming the Dems, it is time to end it. Yes, the dems in the senate should threaten a Filibuster, and then do it. But just like last year- the public started out blaming the GOP for the shut down- but then the public got tired of it, and public opinion started to change. And remember- all the GOP needs is their small majority to end the Filibuster. We cant risk winning back Congress. If we DO win back congress, the ICE budget can be cut to the bone. If the Dems do not win, then more ICE. > [@bobot](#): > > We’ll see what happens, but anymore it seems that Democrats don’t _want_ my vote and I’m getting sick of propping up the lesser of two evils. What do you want them to do? They dont have the House, Senate, Executive or SCOTUS. There is little they _can_ do. ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2026, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-regarding-democrats-forcing-a-shutdown-over-ice-overreach-2026-ice-shootings/1027058/18 "2026-01-27T01:58:02Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > What do you want? A long and pointless government shut down- or the democrats winning Congress in November? I’m afraid we’ll just have to agree to disagree - because in the wake of the prior shutdown, most of the registered Democrats I knew were pissed that they caved for vague promises that accomplished nothing in actuality. That’s not going to drive out people to vote for those same individuals again - so it’ll depress the turnout, or encourage primary challenges that’ll make the party even more fragmented and less able to act in unison in the future. You obviously see things differently. You are free to do so. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Drake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ad7895/32.png) [@Dr.Drake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Drake)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2026, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-regarding-democrats-forcing-a-shutdown-over-ice-overreach-2026-ice-shootings/1027058/19 "2026-01-27T02:02:39Z")
> [@bobot](#): > > We’ll see what happens, but anymore it seems that Democrats don’t _want_ my vote and I’m getting sick of propping up the lesser of two evils. > If my country is this fucked, maybe I should let it fall apart and see if there’s anything worth picking up. Same. If the opposition is not going to oppose, what’s the point in supporting them? ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2026, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-regarding-democrats-forcing-a-shutdown-over-ice-overreach-2026-ice-shootings/1027058/20 "2026-01-27T02:04:20Z")
> [@ParallelLines](#): > > I’m afraid we’ll just have to agree to disagree - because in the wake of the prior shutdown, most of the registered Democrats I knew were pissed that they caved for vague promises that accomplished nothing in actuality What would keeping the shut down do, besides pissing off the voting public, who were starting to get tired of it? Do you think the GOP was gonna give in? > [@Dr.Drake](#): > > Same. If the opposition is not going to oppose, what’s the point in supporting them? Of course the Dems oppose- see their voting record. > **[Did Democrats cave or compromise in ending the shutdown? | Brookings](https://www.brookings.edu/articles/did-democrats-cave-or-compromise-in-ending-the-shutdown/)** > > David Barker argues that Democrats were never positioned to outlast Republicans in the shutdown, making the outcome look like a cave. _Our data imply that the Democrats were always more likely to give ground first, but not due to a lack of fortitude. They may have capitulated, or they may have just compromised—which, according to James Madison, is what democratic lawmaking is supposed to be all about._ _That is, in recognizing their limited leverage as the minority party (off-year electoral wins notwithstanding) and by understanding the psychology of their Republican adversaries, the Democrats might have just struck as good a deal as they could have realistically hoped to achieve under the circumstances. Securing a vote on the Obamacare subsidies and some job security for a few federal workers is far from a triumph, but it may be more than the Democrats were going to get otherwise._ _As [Senator Shaheen (D-N.H.) summarized…"Republicans control the White House, the Senate, and the House, and they made clear over a period of weeks … that this was as far as they would go … This was the only deal on the table.”_ _Another factor is that as the shutdown’s effects intensified, many Democratic lawmakers placed greater weight on alleviating the hardship than on maintaining their negotiating position—a dynamic that played out differently among Republican lawmakers. Holding out for a few more weeks was unlikely to push the GOP to extend Obamacare subsidies, but it would have p\*\*ushed a lot of travelers out of the sky and a lot of kids away from the dinner table._ [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-regarding-democrats-forcing-a-shutdown-over-ice-overreach-2026-ice-shootings/1027058.md?page=2)