Senator Young discusses immigration enforcement tactics, DHS funding deal

WASHINGTON, DC -- Senator Young discusses deal to fund DHS, immigration enforcement tactics.

Congress now has until next Friday to pass a budget for the Department of Homeland Security, and Democrats want changes to immigration enforcement tactics.

If lawmakers do not reach an agreement by Feb. 13, DHS could shut down.

Democrats called to separate DHS funding after the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were fatally shot by federal law enforcement officers.

ABC57’s Jordan Tolbert spoke with Senator Todd Young (R), Indiana, about a few different topics on Thursday morning, including potential changes to immigration enforcement tactics and the status of a deal to fund DHS.

“First thing I want to say is, what happened to Alex Pretti was a tragic incident. We don't want it to happen again. And we recognize there's a responsibility on those of us in federal office to make some necessary changes to gather all the facts we can, which is why I've called for a full and transparent investigation of that. So, it's understandable that the President has called for a step back as it relates to some of these operations. He's appointed his border czar, Tom Homan, to take a look at some of these immigration enforcement measures,” said Young.

In terms of Senator Young’s opinion on whether there should be reforms to the current immigration enforcement tactics, he says he defers somewhat to law enforcement experts, noting he does have oversight responsibilities.

Young said what he’s heard from border czar Tom Homan, who is now overseeing immigration enforcement measures, makes a lot of sense to him.

“He said, we're going to invite in local, state and federal stakeholders all to talk with one another, and working with them. We're going to take a look at the existing procedures and rules, rules of engagement of our ICE officers. And then we're going to balance those rules of engagement versus the needs of the local community and figure out what makes sense across different geographies based on the threats that exist in that geography,” said Young. “So that all seems methodologically to make a lot of sense to me and like a very responsible way to proceed. If, for whatever reason, we feel like Mr. Homan misses something according to the best law enforcement counsel we can receive, then we will intervene and make that known.”

Senator Young explained specific immigration enforcement proposals, which have some bipartisan agreement, like body cameras for ICE officers.

“Among the things we're looking at are equipping all ICE officers with body cameras. This is something I understand that the administration supports. It's actually something that resources have already been allocated to and the fact that there's common agreement on that important request from Democrats and many Republicans alike, I think, will help facilitate a broader agreement about exactly what changes are made,” said Young.

Senate and House democratic leaders laid out some demands when it comes to DHS funding in a letter to Republicans yesterday.

Democrats are calling for judicial warrants before agents can enter private property, banning face masks for ICE, new laws for use-of-force standards and requiring the use of body cameras, among other demands.

“I think many of the changes that are being proposed are problematic, and I understand they could undermine the safety of our law enforcement officers who are carrying out an essential mission. The masking requests, the request to ensure that every time our ICE officers apprehend someone who is here illegally, that that's done pursuant to a court order, which has never been the law of the land, as opposed to an administrative order. These are legalistic things that frankly would really be burdensome. We won't have enough personnel to carry out those operations. And again, this is a mission— critical mission, important to our national security and our local public safety,” said Young.

Senator Young says Congress has funded 96 percent of the government and the 4 percent for DHS should be resolved in the next couple of weeks.

ABC57’s Jordan Tolbert asked Senator Young about some demands from Republicans concerning proof of citizenship for voter registration and restrictions on sanctuary cities.

“I think with respect to sanctuary cities, and there's been a lot more conversation about that topic up here on Capitol Hill than there has the voter registration effort, but the sanctuary cities— listen—and Hoosiers tend to agree with this. We cannot have local officials failing to work with law enforcement. We most especially cannot have them encouraging protests that intervene with law enforcement. First Amendment rights are essential. They are outlined, of course, in the Constitution, but those protected rights do not allow a person to intervene with law enforcement. Our sanctuary cities around the country have too often encouraged that. So, I think if we can tighten up the laws around those situations that will be very important, and I expect we'll have further debate and discussion about the voter registration efforts,” said Young.