Florida GOP Rep. Greg Steube Accuses Democrats of ‘Holding Hostage’ American People Over Immigration Reforms

Florida Republican Representative Greg Steube declared that Democrats are “holding hostage the American people” by tying government funding to reforms he repeatedly labeled “ridiculous” and “complete nonstarters.”

In a statement Tuesday, Steube warned that a potential government shutdown would immediately affect front-line agencies, noting that “strong and courageous law enforcement officers” would soon go unpaid. He emphasized, “Who suffers is the American people,” adding that Coast Guard officers and TSA personnel would not receive payment for “a week or so.”

Steube argued the standoff centers on Democrats pushing new restrictions on immigration enforcement, claiming they have “latched on to ICE” because “they don’t think that immigrants, illegal immigrants, gang members, rapists, and murderers should be deported from our country.”

He accused Democrats of targeting ICE agents who he said are “courageously doing the great work of the American people,” describing their efforts as an attempt to use immigration enforcement as a “bargaining chip to shut down the government.”

Steube rejected Democratic demands for judicial warrants in deportation cases, stating that such warrants are unnecessary because ICE already operates under “an administrative warrant called a detainer.” He noted that 96% of migrants claiming asylum are denied, explaining they “are just trying to get into the country illegally.”

The representative also opposed proposals requiring ICE agents to display name badges, warning it would endanger officers by enabling doxing. He stated, “I would not support that,” adding that Democrats are “simply putting that there so that these officers can then be doxed.”

Steube further criticized Democratic hypocrisy on identification requirements, saying they want ICE agents to have IDs but do not require voters to present them when casting ballots. He called this disparity “beyond the pale.”

While dismissing most Democratic requests as unacceptable, Steube indicated one measure could earn Republican support: body cameras for law enforcement officers. He noted that “most law enforcement officers will tell you that they’re great because you’re actually seeing what actually occurred.”