Via The Hill:

A GOP Senate resolution supporting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) — and knocking progressives’ call to “abolish” it — was blocked by Democrats on Wednesday shortly after a similar measure was approved by the House.

Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) asked for unanimous consent to pass the resolution, introduced by Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), offering Senate support for ICE officials, members of the military and law enforcement.

“It is outrageous. It is irresponsible to call for abolishing one of our country’s most critical security measures. Abolishing ICE would give terrorists, gang members, drug dealers and other criminals a field day,” Daines said.

But Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) objected and instead asked for consent to pass legislation from Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) that would “reunite families separated at or near ports of entry” as a result of President Trump’s “zero tolerance” prosecution of those who cross the southern border illegally.

Daines, in turn, objected to the request.

“This moment hardly seems the time for the Senate to engage in debating rhetorical phrases or praise for the Immigration and Custom Enforcement agency when that agency, better known as ICE, is deeply mired in the scandal of separating children from their parents,” Merkley said.

Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) added that the GOP resolution would support ICE “in all its functions.”

“Well, I can just tell you, I don’t join in that resolution. I specifically don’t join in it when it comes to the president’s zero tolerance policy,” he said.