Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn., told Newsmax Monday that congressional Democrats' goal in blocking funding for the Department of Homeland Security is to set up "mass amnesty."
Emmer, the House majority whip, told "National Report" the Democrats have a bigger picture in mind than just a partial spending block against DHS.
"And guess what? It'll cause mass amnesty. Literally," he said.
"That's what this is, which is consistent with the open-border policy that they had under [former President] Joe Biden."
Emmer pointed to funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which was covered in an earlier appropriations bill.
"That was fully funded through the bill that was passed and signed into law last July," he said. "In fact, our federal law enforcement, Immigration [and] Customs Enforcement officers, are funded through 2029."
He said security-related government actions, however, are affected by the latest Democrat attempt to thwart government actions.
"What they're holding up right now is funding for TSA [Transportation Security Administration], but also funding for Coast Guard disaster aid," Emmer said.
"I mean these are things that the American people count on."
To make it worse, Emmer said Democrats pulled back on earlier support for DHS funding.
"To show you the disconnect of these Democrats, they've got a bill that was negotiated by both sides," he said.
"Republicans, Democrats in the House actually had a bipartisan agreement and a bipartisan bill that was sent over to fund the rest of the Department of Homeland Security weeks ago," Emmer said.
"It's sitting over in the Senate right now."
Emmer said even the issue of having a warrant to make an arrest had already been addressed but Democrats want to obstruct the Trump administration from supporting the majority of Americans.
He said it's the Democrats' new approach.
"This is just the next chapter of the Democrats' defund the police movement," Emmer said.
On Sunday, border czar Tom Homan defended federal immigration agents as Democrats press for new restrictions tied to DHS funding.
During an interview with CBS News, Homan rejected claims of racial profiling and said agents act on reasonable suspicion.
He argued threats and assaults against officers have surged, making protection for agents a priority.
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Jim Mishler ✉
Jim Mishler, a seasoned reporter, anchor and news director, has decades of experience covering crime, politics and environmental issues.
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