During a segment on CNN’s “The Source” aired on Tuesday, Senator Tina Smith from Minnesota addressed the possibility of endorsing a government shutdown over Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) funding. She expressed skepticism about increasing financial support for an agency she described as “completely out of control.” Smith emphasized her desire for bipartisan efforts to establish clear guidelines for ICE operations.

Host Kaitlan Collins inquired, “Are you open to the idea of shutting down the government over ICE funding, as some of your Democratic peers have proposed?”

Senator Smith replied, “Here’s my stance: I find it hard to justify additional funding for an agency that operates without adequate oversight. I advocate for Democrats and Republicans to collaborate on defining basic standards for ICE, ensuring agents are identifiable without masks and possess essential training. It is Congress’s duty to impose oversight and discipline on this matter. I am eager for bipartisan cooperation to restore order in my home state.”