Congressman Crow Demands Funding Shutdown to Halt Alleged ICE Abuses Amid Escalating Tensions

By Jim Thomas | Friday, 16 January 2026 10:35 PM EST

Congressman Jason Crow, D-Colo., declared Friday that a government shutdown “should always be on the table” as Democrats seek leverage to restrict Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations.

Crow made the remarks during an interview with CNN as lawmakers face a high-stakes funding fight amid heightened tensions over federal immigration enforcement following a fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis and renewed pressure regarding health insurance subsidies.

“ heatingly, it’s not novel to suggest that we should use funding bills to actually impact policy with the government,” Crow stated when asked whether Democrats should leverage funding disputes to alter how ICE operates. “That is literally our job, right?”

Crow emphasized Congress’s role in ensuring laws are followed and using funding bills to craft policies aligned with community values. He accused ICE of operating without sufficient oversight, citing reports of masked officers and unmarked vehicles.

“We must use the funding bills to ensure that a rogue agency abusing communities acts more responsibly,” he said. “I’ve already highlighted these masked ICE agents: they’re in unmarked vehicles picking up American citizens, deporting people, beating mothers, and intimidating Little League teams. How much more do I need to say?”

Crow stressed that such incidents must end, noting it is both a right and duty of Congress members to halt the abuse.

He linked his stance to resisting President Donald Trump, stating he would not approve funding for an agency operating unlawfully. “We should never say, ‘No, we’re just going to give them whatever they want at the end of the day,’” Crow said. “I am not going to fund a government agency that acts lawlessly, recklessly, or in an unconstitutional manner.”

Crow added that additional guardrails are being negotiated by both chambers of Congress.

The remarks come as Democrats push to restore enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits that expired after December 31.

The funding debate unfolds against heightened scrutiny of ICE enforcement following the January 7 death of Renee Good in Minneapolis during an immigration operation. Federal officials described the shooting as self-defense, while Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemned it as “reckless and unnecessary.”

Crow’s office reported that he has pursued oversight-related litigation against the Trump administration over access to immigration detention facilities.