A standoff in Congress over immigration enforcement funding is pushing the United States toward a partial government shutdown, as lawmakers remain divided over reforms tied to President Donald Trump’s migrant crackdown.
“For weeks, we’ve been pushing commonsense reforms,” Senator Chuck Schumer, the top Democrat in the Republican-controlled chamber, said ahead of a partial shutdown that would go into effect after midnight on Friday night.
Democrats are refusing to approve new funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) unless significant changes are made to how Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducts its operations. ICE has been central to Trump’s aggressive immigration enforcement strategy.
Among their key demands are limits on roaming patrols, a prohibition on ICE agents wearing facemasks during operations, and a requirement for judicial warrants before entering private property.
Democratic opposition intensified following the January deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, two US citizens who were shot and killed by federal agents in Minneapolis while protesting anti-immigration operations.
Lawmakers are also calling for stricter accountability measures for ICE officers, including adherence to established reasonable use-of-force standards.
“Democrats will not support a blank check for chaos,” Schumer said.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries echoed those concerns, stating on Thursday that ICE was “completely and totally out of control.”
“Taxpayer dollars should be used to make life more affordable for the American people, not brutalize or kill them,” he said, adding that violence was occurring “whenever these masked and untrained ICE agents show up on the scene.”
Although Republicans hold 53 seats in the Senate, advancing the DHS funding bill requires 60 votes under Senate rules, meaning bipartisan support is essential.
The White House responded to Democratic demands by sending a counterproposal late Wednesday, signaling willingness to negotiate.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune described the offer as “an extremely serious offer,” but cautioned that Democrats are “never going to get their full wish list.”
Democrats quickly dismissed the proposal.
“Half-measures will not cut it,” said Senate Democrat Patty Murray, insisting that their demands are both reasonable and necessary.
If lawmakers fail to reach an agreement, thousands of federal employees could be furloughed, while others may be required to continue working without pay until a budget deal is finalized.
ICE operations, however, would likely continue during a partial shutdown, as the agency still has access to previously approved funds from Congress.
Other agencies could feel the strain more immediately. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), responsible for disaster response, may face disruptions. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which oversees airport security, warned on X that an extended shutdown could bring “significant” consequences, including staff shortages, longer security lines, and delayed or canceled flights.
If triggered, this would mark the third government shutdown during Trump’s second term, following a record 43-day closure last October and November.
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