Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., stated that the Biden administration's immigration policy could have been "more secure". Smith, the ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, made these statements on "Fox News Sunday".

Smith emphasized the need for greater border security, suggesting that the administration did not enforce immigration law in the optimal way. Furthermore, Smith sought a middle ground between extreme policies, avoiding both "open borders" policies and the deployment of masked ICE agents without probable cause.

The debate over immigration policy is linked to the funding and tactics of ICE, which has led to a partial government shutdown. House Republicans rejected a bill that funded other agencies under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and proposed an eight-week funding package that would fully fund DHS.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called the bill "dead on arrival". Democrats have demanded that ICE agents use judicial warrants, implement body-worn cameras, and remove face coverings, while Republicans, including former President Trump, argue that masks protect agents from doxxing.

The debate over immigration reform stems from the death of two U.S. citizens at the hands of federal immigration authorities in Minneapolis, Minnesota, earlier this year. Smith urged lawmakers to find a middle ground between extreme policies, emphasizing the need to fund the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Smith criticized House Speaker Mike Johnson for not allowing a vote on TSA funding, despite the support of senators, including Tom Cotton. The lack of TSA staff at airports has led to long security lines, prompting Trump to send ICE agents to assist, a move that raised concerns among Democrats.

Former President Trump indicated that ICE agents would remain at airports "as long as it takes". This decision was made in response to the shortage of TSA personnel, which caused long waits at security checkpoints.

The presence of ICE agents at airports has generated debate and concern, especially among Democrats, who question the use of immigration agents in airport security roles.

Smith urged the need for constructive debate and the search for solutions. He highlighted the importance of funding the TSA while addressing the broader issues of immigration policy.

The current situation reflects the complexity of immigration policy and the need to find common ground to address the challenges of border security and immigration law enforcement.