Republican U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts is doubling down on his support for funding the Department of Homeland Security, calling it a top priority as Congress races to pass remaining budget bills ahead of a Friday deadline that could trigger a partial government shutdown. In a social media post Thursday, Ricketts said he will continue backing DHS funding to ensure immigration laws are enforced and public safety is protected in Nebraska.
Senate Democrats have pledged to withhold their votes on the DHS appropriations bill unless new limits are placed on immigration enforcement. The proposal includes more than 11 billion dollars for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the 2026 fiscal year. Ricketts, while calling for a transparent and prioritized investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by Border Patrol agents, emphasized his continued support for ICE’s mission, saying the agency exists to enforce immigration laws, not manage crowds. He also warned that calls to obstruct ICE operations only heighten tensions and undermine public safety.
Ricketts pointed to comments from Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson as an example of effective cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration officials. Meanwhile, his Senate challenger, Dan Osborn, said he opposes a government shutdown and favors tighter control of federal spending, arguing that shutdowns have become too common due to partisan gridlock. Ricketts criticized that response, saying Osborn failed to clearly state whether he would support funding DHS if elected.
Both candidates have called for an independent investigation into Pretti’s death, saying the public deserves clear answers and accountability. Republican U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer did not respond to requests for comment on the potential shutdown or ICE operations.
As the deadline approaches, Senate Democrats are threatening to block funding not only for DHS but for several other agencies unless changes are made to immigration enforcement policies under President Donald Trump. Without an agreement, lawmakers warn a partial government shutdown could begin at midnight Friday.
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