Speaker Johnson: There is Not a Single Democrat Who Believes Border Security or Immigration Enforcement Should Exist

Speaker Johnson Charges Democrats Have Abandoned Border Security as House GOP Pushes Reconciliation Bill

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, speaking at the House Republican Leadership press conference on May 13, 2026, delivered sharp criticism of Democratic immigration positions while outlining the GOP’s push to fully fund border security and immigration enforcement through the reconciliation process.

Johnson: No Democrat Supports Funding Border Enforcement

Johnson made a sweeping charge against his Democratic colleagues, asserting that not a single member of the opposition party — in either the House or Senate — supports federal funding for border security or immigration enforcement. He cited Democratic voting records and public statements as evidence.

“There’s not a single Democrat in Congress, House or Senate, who believes that border security and immigration enforcement should exist,” Johnson said. “They do not believe that we should fund those at the federal level. It’s a stunning statement, but it is true.”

Johnson pointed to the California Democratic gubernatorial primary as a recent illustration of the party’s direction, noting that nearly all candidates — including a former House Democrat and a former Biden Cabinet Secretary — openly affirmed support for extending government-funded healthcare to illegal immigrants when asked directly.

“We’re supposed to believe this is a serious political party?” Johnson said. He warned that Democrats remain focused on regaining power and reversing current enforcement policies, which he characterized as a direct threat to public safety.

Reconciliation Bill on Track for June 1 Deadline

The Speaker confirmed that the Republican reconciliation package — which would provide sustained funding for both U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection — remains on schedule to reach President Trump’s desk by the June 1 deadline.

Johnson noted that before the congressional recess the previous week, Republicans had resolved the bulk of what he described as a record-long Democratic Department of Homeland Security shutdown. The reconciliation bill is designed to fully fund border and immigration enforcement operations through the remainder of President Trump’s term.

The Speaker outlined two core justifications for the legislation. First, he argued that maintaining a secure border and removing dangerous criminal illegal aliens represents a baseline obligation the American people demanded and continue to expect — a mandate he said was delivered clearly in the last election. “We do not have a country if we do not have borders. That’s just the bottom line,” Johnson said.

Second, Johnson argued that with no Democratic support for funding immigration enforcement, Republicans bear sole responsibility for keeping those agencies operational. He framed the reconciliation vehicle as the only viable path to guarantee that funding without Democratic obstruction.

National Police Week Recognition

Johnson also used the press conference to recognize law enforcement officers during National Police Week, honoring fallen officers and reiterating House Republicans’ commitment to supporting the men and women who serve in law enforcement roles across the country.

Broader Stakes for the Reconciliation Process

The push to finalize the reconciliation bill reflects the broader legislative priority Republicans have placed on immigration enforcement since retaking unified control of government. Johnson’s remarks signal that House leadership intends to move quickly, with the June 1 target functioning as a firm deadline rather than a flexible goal.

Democrats have offered no public indication they intend to support the measure. Johnson’s characterization of the California governor’s race — where the question of healthcare for illegal immigrants drew affirmative responses from most major candidates — is likely to become a recurring theme for Republicans heading into future election cycles, framing the immigration debate as a choice between enforcement and open-border policies rather than a question of degree.

With the reconciliation process advancing and leadership projecting confidence about meeting its self-imposed deadline, the coming weeks will test whether House Republicans can deliver on border security funding as a standalone legislative accomplishment before the summer recess.

Source: Office of the Speaker of the House. Retrieved from speaker.gov.