By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-democrats-rally-at-capitol-against-gops-immigration-enforcement-funding-bill Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter WATCH: Democrats rally at Capitol against GOP's immigration enforcement funding bill Politics May 21, 2026 4:55 PM EDT House and Senate Democrats gathered on the Capitol steps Thursday in opposition to Republicans' funding bill for immigration enforcement. Watch the event in the video player above. Democrats tried to draw a sharp contrast by highlighting how the White House proposed including $1 billion for security for the White House complex and President Donald Trump's ballroom. Republicans are abandoning that proposal, but Democrats said Congress should be focused instead on making life affordable for everyday Americans. READ MORE: The DOJ's memo to Republican senators on how Trump's $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund will work "Ballroom Republicans are not working for you, they are busy fighting for Trump," said Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer. "The American people are watching and in November, they will be watching." House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, for his part, said "immigration enforcement in this country should be fair. It should be just, and it should be humane." A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now By — Associated Press Associated Press
House and Senate Democrats gathered on the Capitol steps Thursday in opposition to Republicans' funding bill for immigration enforcement. Watch the event in the video player above. Democrats tried to draw a sharp contrast by highlighting how the White House proposed including $1 billion for security for the White House complex and President Donald Trump's ballroom. Republicans are abandoning that proposal, but Democrats said Congress should be focused instead on making life affordable for everyday Americans. READ MORE: The DOJ's memo to Republican senators on how Trump's $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund will work "Ballroom Republicans are not working for you, they are busy fighting for Trump," said Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer. "The American people are watching and in November, they will be watching." House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, for his part, said "immigration enforcement in this country should be fair. It should be just, and it should be humane." A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now