What Will the Democratic Party Establishment Do in the Aftermath of Another I.C.E. Murder?

[DJ Synikus Makisimus]

Clearly we need a “strong response” from our leadership. Repeated calls to be “calm” in the face of a second gestapo murder have already been issued by the Minneapolis Police and other authorities, so the phase one response has been activated. Expected phase two responses of tots and pears are likely forthcoming soon. One can but wonder what response will come from the Democratic Party leadership. Will Democratic Party leaders maximize this to electoral advantage by:

1. writing a strongly-worded letter?
2. holding hearings where members can demonstrate their outrage through grandstanding?
3. move to enact a bipartisan non-binding resolution calling for calm?
4. call for increases to the Homeland Security budget to fund “sensitivity training” for I.C.E. officers?
5. locking the office door and hiding under their desks?

Bipartisan this, Chuck and Hakeem.

Meanwhile, I wonder how the behavior of their “heroic” I.C.E. officers is playing in red AmeriKKKa. I’d tune in to fascist media, but I just ate.

[RockRaven]

1. Have two of the least charismatic, most out of touch people on earth read prepared statements

which won't even be broadcast on the news while the local elected Dems ... *checks notes*... preside over local LEOs who are attacking protesters too?

Ah, swell...

[Autumn]

2. Your guess is good as mine. Maybe a short statement about how terrible it was to murder an unarmed man,

then business as usual.

[Ars Longa]

35. They will start a "Select Committee" to determine if we should empanel a review

committee that would issue a report on ICE in about 9 or 10 months. Or perhaps
even longer!!

[Autumn]

48. I think a "Select Committee" to issue a report on ICE in about 9 or 10 months would be too much work.

I'm going with an almost strongly worded, 30 words or less, semi condemnation will be the winner.

[choie]

3. Not anything that will matter a damn.

[emulatorloo]

4. Yes, it is very important that DU blame Democrats for what Republicans do /s

Especially with midterms coming up.

Because apparently DU wants to depress voter turnout by pounding home the bullshit message that Democrats must be PUNISHED

As That will help Republicans win and keep Republicans in power.

/s

[choie]

8. Did you ever think that if the Democrats actually opened their mouths

after a horror they might gain some voters? You know, like show some leadership? Stop with the usual canard of "you're blaming Democrats".

[emulatorloo]

10. They open their mouths all the time. Media too busy propping up Trump to report on Democrats.

And DU too busy falsely blaming Democrats for what Republicans do to pay attention

[choie]

13. That's BS

Please be sure to post a press conference on this execution. I'd love to see it.

[emulatorloo]

17. No it's not bullshit. And Walz is a Democrat and he called in the National Guard.

I’m pissed off too but I’m pissed at ICE and Trump.

[Bettie]

18. Do you mean Governor Walz?

Or are you speaking of someone else?

Democratic Governors are standing up for their states.

[choie]

37. I'm clearly talking about

Congressional reps. Governor Walz is a role model, and other dems should take note.

[emulatorloo]

69. ' Senate Democrats come out against DHS funding after Minnesota shooting'

https://www.ms.now/news/senate-democrats-dhs-funding-minnesota-shooting

Now, key Democratic senators are publicly opposing any bill that would fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement without new restrictions, sharply increasing the odds of a partial government shutdown just days before the Jan. 30 deadline.

Play

New video appears to show federal agents shoving and spraying man before shooting
JANUARY 24, 2026 / 06:36
With less than a week to go before funding expires, days before the Senate is set to consider a six-bill appropriations package, and hours after Pretti was shot, top Democrats emerged Saturday vowing to block any additional money for ICE.

Most notably, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., announced Saturday night that he would oppose any government spending package that includes funding for DHS — a move that could derail the six-bill package covering the remaining agencies that have not yet been funded.

“What’s happening in Minnesota is appalling — and unacceptable in any American city. Democrats sought common sense reforms in the Department of Homeland Security spending bill, but because of Republicans’ refusal to stand up to President Trump, the DHS bill is woefully inadequate to rein in the abuses of ICE,” Schumer said in a statement. “I will vote no.”

Schumer added that Senate Democrats would not provide the votes needed to advance the appropriations package if it includes DHS funding — a dramatic reversal for a bill that had appeared on track to pass the Senate later this week.

[Boo1]

72. Some people here would blame democrats

if literal Martians invaded. It's their go to move.



But I will say, as far as a reaction....

Yesterday I thought there was almost no chance that there was going to be a shutdown. We just had a long one and the benefit was negligible. I wasn't sure if the public was going to put up with it and with Democrats already ahead in the polls in an election year the juice wasn't going to be worth the squeeze.

Now, 24 hours later, I think it's almost certain and I don't think it's going to be just Democrats doing it. I don't think Republicans are even going to have a majority to pass the DHS funding now. There are Republicans running for seats in the senate that know they can't win if they pass it after today.

I think ICE, and maybe even DHS as a whole might have seen the beginning of their own end as an agency and department. I expect that withing the next 5 years both a shutdown and their responsibilities and remaining agencies are shifted back to their pre-911 footings.

[yellow dahlia]

81. One of the better voices, in my opinion is Chris van Hollen. He was on MSNOW, earlier.

I Want to hear him and Chris Murphy.

And some of the other better communicators include, but aren't limited to: Melanie Stansbury; Maxwell Frost; Sheldon Whitehouse; Jamie Raskin; and a few more.

It is important to speak to the facts and the law and the Constitution. I don't want to hear the platitudes. There are some strong voices, but Chuck Schumer will grab the microphone and chant "we will win".

[lees1975]

30. I''d be really excited to see Democratic outrage coming from house or senate members

and not just from protesters in the streets. I'd like to see some Democrats in the house and senate protesting in the streets. That would be a step-up in the level of passion on this subject.

[JI7]

23. If people are truly upset then they are already supporting Democrats

[kacekwl]

47. Repeat a thousand times.

N/t

[electric_blue68]

66. Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass) called for ?curent ICE head to be ptosecuted.

Possibly a few others.
Video proved by highplainsdem.

[orangecrush]

9. Bye

Fresh out of patience today.

[emulatorloo]

11. Hi!

[DJ Synikus Makisimus]

12. "Third Way" strategy has been to avoid taking a position on anything.

Behold the glorious result.

[emulatorloo]

19. Third Way died in the '90s. But apparently false bothsiderism is alive and well

I blame Trump and ICE for this. You blame Hakeem. Well ok!

[choie]

39. The hell it did.

There's even a think tank called Third Way. Nice try though.

[Arazi]

49. Jeffries REFUSED to whip the vote against funding these monsters

So yeah, he will be blamed 🤬

[FoxNewsSucks]

79. WRONG!!!!!! Jesus H Christ that shit gets OLD!!!!

No one is "blaming Democrats for this". We know it's the fault of the Nazi admin.

What we DO expect is for an opposing reaction from ALL elected Democrats. A strong, immediate, reaction.

Not, for example, Democrats saving the funding bill for ICE. Correct me if I'm wrong on this, but didn't Jeffries refuse to whip AGAINST that?

That's what he's blamed for, nothing more. Why the fuck would anyone expect liberals to support him on that?

[choie]

82. Or voting for the orange bastard's nominees

N/t

[JI7]

25. Jasmine Crockett doesn't do third way and she isn't getting support in Texas

[choie]

28. And that means...

diddly.

[mcar]

44. Ooh Third Way

Bringing back the golden oldies.

[Autumn]

14. What a load of bullshit. Nobody is blaming Democrats for anything. If we can't count on our leaders

to lead, or at least be like Bill Clinton and let us know he shared our pain, when we watch a federal agency murder people on the street what the fuck are we supposed to do? JFC

[iemanja]

15. Seven of them just voted to fund the terrorist organization that killed the man.

Last edited Sat Jan 24, 2026, 05:05 PM - Edit history (1)

24 Republicans voted against the bill. It could have been defeated if those Democrats had voted no.

[BlueKota]

58. Wonder if those seven are still proud of their bipartisanship?

The ones who voted for continuing to fund Ice just so they can be appear to be supporting law enforcement? I support law enforcement officers too, but only the ones who actually follow the law themselves. My half brother was a sherrif's deputy.

Those seven along with tsf and the majority of the Republicans in Congess supported Ice. The agency that is breaking the law . They share responsibility for any further loss of innocent lives at the hands of it's agents.

Sorry that's how I feel, and I won't apologize for it. I applaud the Democrats who voted NO and continue to speak out.

[Scrivener7]

85. iemanja, how are you doing? I am so sorry all this is happening.

[betsuni]

20. The lust to blame, hate, and punish is palpable.

Demonizing Democrats so they're seen as an evil non-human enemy Establishment.

[choie]

31. "Demonizing Democrats so they're seen as an evil non-human enemy"

Oh my god, the hyperbole. Just because we expect our representatives to represent us.

[Bettie]

62. Apparently, expecting them to come out against

people being murdered in the streets is a bridge to far for some people.

I don't get it. But given some of the posters who are in that camp, I am unsurprised.

[choie]

80. You're right, Bettie

I shouldn’t be surprised either.

[SunImp]

76. Shouldn't expect honesty from people who strawman people's positions

or portrays people who disagrees with them as babies in their replies

[electric_blue68]

67. Respectfully, I think you are being a bit over the top on how some DU'rs are criticizing some Dems.

[emulatorloo]

70. Respectfully I'd like to see some criticism aimed at Noem and Miller. But crickets. See this response from Senate Dems

Senate Democrats come out against DHS funding after Minnesota shooting

https://www.ms.now/news/senate-democrats-dhs-funding-minnesota-shooting

Now, key Democratic senators are publicly opposing any bill that would fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement without new restrictions, sharply increasing the odds of a partial government shutdown just days before the Jan. 30 deadline.

Play

New video appears to show federal agents shoving and spraying man before shooting
JANUARY 24, 2026 / 06:36
With less than a week to go before funding expires, days before the Senate is set to consider a six-bill appropriations package, and hours after Pretti was shot, top Democrats emerged Saturday vowing to block any additional money for ICE.

Most notably, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., announced Saturday night that he would oppose any government spending package that includes funding for DHS — a move that could derail the six-bill package covering the remaining agencies that have not yet been funded.

“What’s happening in Minnesota is appalling — and unacceptable in any American city. Democrats sought common sense reforms in the Department of Homeland Security spending bill, but because of Republicans’ refusal to stand up to President Trump, the DHS bill is woefully inadequate to rein in the abuses of ICE,” Schumer said in a statement. “I will vote no.”

Schumer added that Senate Democrats would not provide the votes needed to advance the appropriations package if it includes DHS funding — a dramatic reversal for a bill that had appeared on track to pass the Senate later this week.

[electric_blue68]

74. Noem, and especially Nazi loving Miller need ever more fierce criticism, and

and some way of forcing them out of office!
Along with the Orange Chief of Cruelty!

[emulatorloo]

75. You're so right. There's a place in hell for all of them

[betsuni]

86. Because Republicans are way way over the top extremist fascist monsters, people are dying.

Blaming Democrats, accusing them of being able to stop all the bad things but refusing to, always always leaping to the worst possible outcome and motivation without knowing anything about how government works and what is or isn't being done, mocking and calling them names like "Surrender Dems" "Vichy Dems" "strongly worded letters" and they're corrupt and "establishment" and only think about money, character attacks, mocking supporters of Democrats debunking lies as "posse" "swarm" enemies, mocking Jeffries for tweeting something from the Bible (but certain religious fundamentalist terrorists are "freedom fighters" ), mocking voting majorities of Democrats into office as the answer because both sides, if one to a dozen or so Democrats vote in a way they assume is nefarious painting the whole party as bad, daily attacks on leadership as if Schumer and Jeffries are personally responsible mavericks going against the right thing to do by siding with Republicans, outright lying and manipulating emotions with clickbait false headlines -- helps Republicans.

Discourage voting for Democrats. Only takes a few votes in swing states.

[electric_blue68]

87. Serveral things...

Your post:
mocking voting majorities of Democrats into office as the answer
Some DU'r ( or the OP) are mocking Democrat voting majorities?

because both sides
In this case; what "both sides" .

if one to a dozen or so Democrats vote in a way they assume is nefarious painting the whole party as bad,
Well, that's not helpful!

daily attacks on leadership as if Schumer and Jeffries are personally responsible mavericks going against the right thing to do by siding with Republicans
I d k - perhaps Achumer, or Hakeem threaten a particular member w putting them on a committee they'd hate being on? Everyone has a scale of areas they are interested in, and maybe a few they'd prefer avoiding.

Discourage voting for Democrats. Only takes a few votes in swing states.
This, definitely could be an issue. You get less votes on just "the right" counties.

"Vichy Dems"
. Maaaaybe appropriate on a certain issue. Not sure.
Take the Dems who voted for more ICE funding. It said they did it as to not appear "soft on crime". You know Repugs are always hanging that placard around Dems necks!
However even though that's some risk I still think should gave voted for it - bc ICE as it's been operating particularly this last year is a danger.

[KPN]

42. The OP did not blame Democrats for what Republicans do. Just saying ...

Seems to me sometimes here that some people take any criticism as blaming -- another gross misrepresentation.

[emulatorloo]

71. Sure did. Noem and Miller are to blame. Yet op instead focuses on Democrats

Senate Democrats come out against DHS funding after Minnesota shooting

https://www.ms.now/news/senate-democrats-dhs-funding-minnesota-shooting

[KPN]

78. You are projecting.

[emulatorloo]

89. Nope. OP's projecting the Trump's Regime's atrocities onto Democrats. Aka Blaming Dems for what

Republicans do.

Lets Noem et all off the hook because somehow ‘it is the EVIL DEMOCRAT ESTABLISHMENT’s fault’ that Noem and Miller are doing this.

[FoxNewsSucks]

83. That's BS.

There was no blame of Democrats, just asking what they will DO in the aftermath.

Blame goes on the corrupt admin scum, where it belongs.

So, what will those entrenched establishment Dems DO? Vote for more funding for ICE or tRump's military?

[synni]

46. It is our duty as citizens to hold our elected officials' feet to the fire

Do your duty. Stop making excuses for the enablers who keep ignoring people like AOC. If we don't pressure people like Schumer, who will?

[durablend]

5. Sternly worded letter and vote for more funding, most likely

So #s 1 & 4 on your list

[betsuni]

6. Write a strongly worded letter about the Harris/Walz administration's ICE policy, or give a press conference.

[dalton99a]

7. Publish a well-written letter for the round file, tweet something that nobody reads, make a speech to an empty chamber

when nobody is watching

[SamuelTheThird]

16. Nothing I fear

They don't want to piss off wealthy donors, and they might have concerns for their own personal safety.

[durablend]

22. Don't wanna look "Soft on crime" either

Though they'll be tarred with that anyway.

[JI7]

26. The perception of soft on crime is a problem. The right wing media's is full of stories

of crimes by non whites.

People here mostly want democrats to react to things.

But what is important is getting out their side which needs to include tough on crime policies and same with immigration.

[choie]

41. Right, so let's be cowards

and afraid to fight for justice because we're scared of being tarred as weak on crime. JesusChrist this country is never going to get back to some semblance of a healthy democracy with thinking like that.

[JI7]

60. Being tough on crime is part of fighting fort justice

Letting Republicans control the narrative isn't going to help in any way.

[electric_blue68]

65. That's what I read as to why those Dems did vote that way

...either "soft on crime", or not supporting law enforcement.

[JI7]

21. Right Wing media is full of stories of crimes by non white people

People on this site are clueless about what is out there and stuck in the 90s where they think people care about officials giving press conferences.

Just look at Tim Walz not running for reelection. Is he what you consider the democratic party establishment ?

[betsuni]

32. Newt Gingrich had press conferences practically every day during the '90s, I well remember.

Everybody got so sick of him nobody paid attention.

I often wonder just who the hell is this diabolical establishment conspiracy theory.

[Eddie Haskell 60]

24. Force Shutdown this week

It is the ONLY power Dems have and the DHS bill goes to the Senate this week. If they don't filibuster against this spending for ICE under DHS, they're complicit in the slaughter against citizens.

[kimbutgar]

27. Both innocent white people

Who are so used to minorities getting killed by police and ICE. It must be shocking to those white supremacists they aren’t safe either !

[Easterncedar]

29. The whole point was supposed to be protecting us from murderers

Murders, assaults, kidnappings. They aren't deporting "the worst of the worst": they have recruited an army of the worst violent criminals and unleashed them to rampage through our cities and attack us.

[Tim S]

33. Call for UN Peacekeeping forces

[leftstreet]

36. ...

ya know...

[Torchlight]

34. I ask myself, 'what will I do in the aftermath...?'

with no answers yet.

[maxrandb]

38. Fuck this noise! Just fuck it!

This isn't the Democratic Party's Establishments fault!

It isn't Chuck Schumer's fault, or Hakeem Jeffries fault.

It isn't Merrick Garland's, or Jack Smith's fault.

It isn't a boat accident, or a propeller...it isn't Jack the Rippers fault.

The American people had an opportunity to put a stop to this Nazi shit back in November. The American people fucking failed.

This is our fucking fault and it's our God Damned responsibility to fix it.

You want to blame someone? Start with your neighbors, "friends" family members, coworkers and fellow parishioners that voted for this shit.

It's not up to the Democratic Party to shut this fucked-up country down...it's up to us!!!!

I wonder how many fucking "outraged" people are still buying shit and using shit from companies that fund the fucking fascists?

Are we at a point where a majority of people are ready and willing to sacrifice, because they realize that Democracy is more precious then their "comfort"?

Call me when we get to that point.

[mcar]

45. This +1000!

[betsuni]

51. THANK YOU!

[emulatorloo]

77. You nailed it. Thank you n/t

[maxrandb]

91. Thank you

I went to the most recent No Kings protest with a friend. They bragged about the "deal" they got on their posterboard from Amazon.

I mentioned that "wasn't helpful".

[Grim Chieftain]

40. Hmmm

Waiting for a strongly worded written response.



Seriously, I am looking forward to responses from Jamie Raskin, Eric Swalwell, Jasmine Crockett, AOC, and other fierce Democrats.
We need you now more than ever.

[electric_blue68]

68. From AOC

atrupar.com‬
AOC: "An ICE officer had violently pushed a woman to the ground and he had come over to help get her up and that is what precipitated this incident that very quickly led to an execution in the streets. What we are seeing here is a momentous pivotal moment for the United States."

[mcar]

43. Can we stop with the "Dems suck" narrative for one day?

Is it even possible here for us to come to grips with the murder of another citizen without some here using it as an excuse to proactively bash Democrats?

[demmiblue]

50. Here is the leadership response:

ICE out of Minnesota NOW.

— Chuck Schumer (@schumer.senate.gov) 2026-01-24T18:39:04.453Z

Meh

No press release as of right now: https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases


Nothing from Jeffries (on Bluesky… not going to check the Nazi bar). Also, no press release as of right now: https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/


* There may be other commentary from them (cable news, Facebook, Insta, etc.), but I have not seen it.

[mr715]

57. This is better than nothing.

And frankly more than I expected.

[Bettie]

63. That is more than I expected

and a good start.

Surprising. I did not expect him to even acknowledge the murder.

[C_U_L8R]

52. Holding their powder for the midterms

Strategery. They can do both things if they really wanted.

[JustAnotherGen]

53. I've called the six i think

Could vote yes on the 30th. Fetterman isn't worth the time.

I'd call them read exactly what you wrote. Its bang on.

I finished with - do you want to be remembered as Neville Chamberlain or Harriet Tubman? Its your call.

[W_HAMILTON]

54. What exactly is it that you think those not in """the Establishment""" (tm) are doing to distinguish one from the other?

Democrats -- both those in and not in """the Establishment""" (tm) -- are in the minority and there is little to nothing they can do, especially when faced with a fascist administration that has the powers of enforcement and routinely refuses to follow the law to begin with.

These are all things that we warned people about before the election and yet they didn't listen. Did they think that Democrats in the minority could wave a magic wand and save them from all these terrible things going on?

[mahatmakanejeeves]

55. Expect a VERY sternly worded letter. NT

[gay texan]

56. 1. N/t

[regnaD kciN]

59. Nothing, of course...

[BlueTsunami2018]

61. They support ICE.

There’s no way around that fact. They’re not going to do anything. They just voted to fund them the other day. I don’t give a fuck if it was “just” seven of them, it should have been none of them.

I’m tired of this “good cop/bad cop we all support the accumulation of capital” charade.

This is a fascist country. It always has been. It always will be unless people get together and do something about it because this system isn’t going to save us.

[Srkdqltr]

64. Every democratic lawmaker in house senate and governor should be in Minnesota tomorrow.

Any who are able. There are airplanes everywhere. Just take warm coats and go.

[emulatorloo]

73. MSNOW: Senate Democrats come out against DHS funding after Minnesota shooting

Senate Democrats come out against DHS funding after Minnesota shooting

https://www.ms.now/news/senate-democrats-dhs-funding-minnesota-shooting

Maybe you should self-delete your op

Now, key Democratic senators are publicly opposing any bill that would fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement without new restrictions, sharply increasing the odds of a partial government shutdown just days before the Jan. 30 deadline.

Play

New video appears to show federal agents shoving and spraying man before shooting
JANUARY 24, 2026 / 06:36
With less than a week to go before funding expires, days before the Senate is set to consider a six-bill appropriations package, and hours after Pretti was shot, top Democrats emerged Saturday vowing to block any additional money for ICE.

Most notably, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., announced Saturday night that he would oppose any government spending package that includes funding for DHS — a move that could derail the six-bill package covering the remaining agencies that have not yet been funded.

“What’s happening in Minnesota is appalling — and unacceptable in any American city. Democrats sought common sense reforms in the Department of Homeland Security spending bill, but because of Republicans’ refusal to stand up to President Trump, the DHS bill is woefully inadequate to rein in the abuses of ICE,” Schumer said in a statement. “I will vote no.”

Schumer added that Senate Democrats would not provide the votes needed to advance the appropriations package if it includes DHS funding — a dramatic reversal for a bill that had appeared on track to pass the Senate later this week.

[FoxNewsSucks]

84. We'll see if actually gets stopped.

Until then, I'm making no assumptions.

We know Fetterman probably won't support us. We'll see who else

[electric_blue68]

88. Idk....DJ S M. Perhaps you're being a bit too sarcastic?....

We've been feeling frustration, pain, anger, and anxiety since Donnie was reelected (first term; too!) for what he, and his people are/are not doing. Now escalated with Good's and now Pretti's murders.

Dems can't do too much being the minority party in both Houses.

However they probably could do more according to this professor who's video was posted some days back. I watched it. screen grabbed parts to bring it up.

Has to with "gumming up the works" with minuitae procedural votes to at least slow down bad legislation, if not stopping it.

Have to come up with something !

[Sparkly]

90. They're refusing to fund ICE

even though it could mean another government shutdown. Maybe this thread could be locked with a new post linking to the issue and ways to contact Senators/Representatives to express support or objection.