The article highlights the shift in the focus of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, which started as a counterterrorism body in the post-9/11 era. Former ICE leaders are noting that as political pressures rise, particularly among Democrats who are withholding funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the need for new 'guardrails' has emerged. These legislative moves signal a significant change, indicating a rare instance of Congress attempting to intervene directly in the operational aspects of ICE, a power traditionally kept at arm's length.

John Sandweg, a former acting director of ICE, points out that while Congress has historically issued some broad directives, they have largely refrained from getting involved in the day-to-day operations of the agency. He notes that previous congressional mandates often came through funding appropriations or general authorizations, which allowed ICE the autonomy to define its own operational strategies. This autonomy has now come under scrutiny as lawmakers demand more direct oversight.

Sarah Saldaña, who led ICE from 2014 to 2017, adds that the situation is somewhat unprecedented. Congress typically fulfills its role through oversight but does not delve deeply into the operational mandates of agencies like ICE. As the current stalemate over DHS funding continues, the implications of this congressional intervention could fundamentally alter ICE's operations and redefine its mission, particularly in the context of ongoing immigration debates.