Illinois lawmakers clash over ICE funding as DHS bill advances

(The Center Square) – An Illinois congressman broke with a faction of moderate Democrats recently by voting against a Department of Homeland Security funding bill that includes billions for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, drawing sharp criticism from a Republican state lawmaker as immigration enforcement remains a flashpoint in Illinois.

U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen, D-Rockford, said he could not support the funding package without stronger oversight of ICE operations, arguing the agency has been used “against the American people.”

“I believe in keeping our country safe. I believe in funding our government,” Sorensen said in a social media video. “But I cannot, in good faith, support a bill that gives billions of dollars to ICE as this administration is using them against the American people.”

Illinois state Rep. Adam Niemerg, R-Dieterich, criticized Sorensen’s vote, saying additional federal funding ...