In the aftermath of Renee Good’s tragic death, whispers of discontent emerged among House Democrats regarding the funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Last week, a significant number of these lawmakers expressed their unwillingness to support the department’s appropriations package. Despite their reluctance, the bill managed to pass, with expectations set for a similar outcome in the Senate—until the situation took a dramatic turn with the death of Alex Pretti at the hands of federal agents.

Republican legislators have been vocal about the need for amendments to the controversial SAFE-T Act. Meanwhile, the role and actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have come under intense scrutiny. “It’s called Immigration and Customs Enforcement,” stated Illinois Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi. “But it increasingly resembles a paramilitary unit, seemingly designed to intimidate the president’s adversaries, rather than simply enforce immigration laws.”

“It’s called Immigrations and Customs Enforcement. It’s not so much about enforcing immigration laws, but it’s starting to look like a paramilitary unit that’s designed to intimidate the president’s opponents,” said Illinois Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi.

Democrats are now looking to leverage that in-limbo bill to demand more accountability for ICE. Both Illinois Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth have promised a “no” vote on DHS spending bills.

Illinois House Democrats are following suite, but what that accountability looks like isn’t set in stone.

“They need to unmask the officers, put identification on everybody, and they need a real Inspector General within ICE that will actually make sure that ICE abides by the rules,” said Krishnamoorthi.

Illinois Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski seconded the idea that changes need to be made.

“The problem in my mind is really at the head of this, which is Secretary Kristi Noem, and that’s why I have signed on to her impeachment,” Budzinski said.

Any substantial changes happening before Friday’s funding deadline aren’t looking likely and with no deal, comes a partial shutdown.

Unlike this past fall, most of the spending bills for other government departments already passed. And Democrats are offering to piece out DHS funding from the six remaining appropriation bills.

That means if a shutdown happens, DHS might be one of the only agencies affected.

“My hope is that there’s still time for Republicans and Democrats to work on some of these changes before Friday. But I just don’t see a situation where we allow DHS to operate like everything’s okay because it’s not,” said Krishnamoorthi.