Four suspected terror-related incidents have occurred since DHS funding lapsed during a partial shutdown, renewing debate over whether Congress should restore funding. Republican Mike Rogers says he would vote to reopen DHS, while Senate Democrats have repeatedly blocked funding bills that include money for ICE and CBP without reforms. Michigan candidates offered mixed responses, and the string of incidents has sharpened the discussion about balancing immediate security needs with agency reform.
After Four Suspected Attacks, Swing-State Senate Candidates Split Over Restoring DHS Funding
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., during a news conference following Senate Democrat policy luncheons at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., March 3, 2026.(Getty Images)
Four suspected terror-related incidents in the United States since the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) lost funding amid a partial government shutdown have intensified debate over whether Congress should immediately restore DHS appropriations. With tight Senate contests in states like Michigan, top candidates were asked whether they would support reopening DHS under the current proposals.
Candidates' Positions
Mike Rogers (R) — The former chairman of the House Intelligence Committee told Fox News Digital he would vote to reopen DHS. Rogers argued funding is essential to ensure immigration officers, the Coast Guard and TSA personnel are paid and fully operational, saying the nation needs "all hands on deck" and that restoring resources could be a matter of life and death.
Michigan Democrats — Incumbent Senators Elissa Slotkin and Gary Peters have so far opposed reopening DHS as the bills are currently written. Senate Democrats have blocked Homeland Security funding multiple times, citing concerns that the measures include funding for ICE and CBP without accompanying reforms.
Primary Contenders — Progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed, endorsed by Sen. Bernie Sanders, declined to say explicitly how he would vote. He criticized current priorities, saying the Trump administration should not fund ICE at levels higher than the FBI, cut counterterrorism budgets, or limit the FBI's ability to inform local law enforcement about emerging threats. Mallory McMorrow and Haley Stevens did not respond to requests for comment.
Why Funding Is Contested
Senate Democrats argue that funding packages which include money for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) should be coupled with reforms to address oversight and use of force concerns. That demand follows earlier incidents this year when federal immigration agents fatally shot two U.S. citizens in Minnesota during protests, prompting calls for accountability and policy changes.
Recent Suspected Incidents
- Old Dominion University, Virginia: Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a former Army National Guard member previously convicted of supporting ISIS, allegedly shouted 'Allahu Akbar' before opening fire inside the university, killing ROTC instructor Lt. Col. Brandon Shah and wounding two others.
- West Bloomfield, Michigan: Authorities say Ayman Mohamad Ghazali drove a vehicle into Temple Israel, then opened fire at security personnel; armed security returned fire and Ghazali was killed.
- Austin, Texas: Ndiaga Diagne allegedly opened fire outside a bar, killing three people while reportedly wearing a shirt bearing the phrase 'property of Allah.'
- New York City: Two suspects were arrested after improvised explosive devices were thrown near Gracie Mansion during a protest; one suspect reportedly told investigators he was inspired by ISIS.
Officials describe these incidents as suspected terror-related or extremist-inspired and investigations are ongoing. Policymakers are debating whether the timing of these attacks changes the calculus for immediate DHS funding or strengthens calls to condition funds on reforms.
What Comes Next
Lawmakers must reconcile competing priorities: restoring operational capacity at agencies that handle border and homeland security, and addressing calls for reforms to immigration enforcement and oversight. As the debate continues, voters in swing states will be watching how candidates balance public safety concerns with demands for accountability and policy change.
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