Congress debates possible consequences for ICE after Minnesota shooting

Lawmakers in Congress are debating investigations, funding limits and other responses after an ICE officer fatally shot a Minnesota woman, while the administration and Homeland Security leadership say the officer acted in self-defense.

The death of a Minnesota woman after an encounter with an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer has prompted intense attention on Capitol Hill. Democrats and some Republicans are calling for investigations, oversight and policy changes. The administration and Homeland Security leadership have said the officer acted in self-defense, while many Democratic lawmakers contest that account. Protests have occurred in several cities following the shooting. Key developments: - Officials' accounts differ: the White House and DHS say the ICE officer acted in self-defense; many Democratic members of Congress dispute that statement and are calling for a full investigation. - Lawmakers are discussing a range of responses, including oversight hearings, restrictions on Department of Homeland Security funding, and in some cases calls to impeach the Homeland Security secretary. - Sen. Chris Murphy plans to introduce legislation that would constrain federal enforcement authority and require DHS enforcement officers to be unmasked, and other Democrats have vowed legislative pressure. - Anti-ICE demonstrations have taken place nationwide, and Congress is in the midst of the annual appropriations process for Homeland Security funding with money needed before the end of January. Summary: The episode has increased scrutiny of federal immigration enforcement and prompted proposals that could affect DHS funding and oversight. Undetermined at this time.