Durbin, Duckworth both "no" on ICE funding after shooting

Democrats part of growing outrage after death of Minneapolis man
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) greets Chicago Council on Global Affairs President and CEO Leslie Vinjamuri on January 22, 2026.
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) greets Chicago Council on Global Affairs President and CEO Leslie Vinjamuri on January 22, 2026. Photo credit : Geoff Buchholz

The latest fatal shooting by ICE agents in Minneapolis could spark a federal government shutdown, following announcements by Illinois' two U.S. Senators.

Senators are set to return to Capitol Hill this week to vote on a budget bill that includes funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE.

If it's not approved by Friday, the country could be headed for another partial shutdown.

But Democratic senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth have both said they will vote "no" on the measure, in response to last Saturday's shooting that killed Alex Pretti.

Sen. Durbin told reporters in Chicago last Thursday that ICE agents are "unpredictable, and refusing to follow the Constitution and the laws when it comes to their procedures."

But when asked if he supported the recent call to abolish the agency, the Senator said "I haven't quite reached that moment."

Durbin is not seeking another term in the Senate, and will retire next year.

WBBM Newsradio has asked a Durbin spokesperson if he's changed his mind following Pretti's shooting, but we have not received a response.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson joined the calls to abolish ICE on Sunday.

Featured Image Photo Credit: : Geoff Buchholz