Partial US government shutdown looms as Democrats press ICE oversight demands

WASHINGTON (JN) — A partial shutdown of the United States government is becoming increasingly likely as Senate Democrats move to block funding for the Department of Homeland Security unless changes are made to immigration enforcement practices.

Funding for DHS and several other federal agencies is set to expire at midnight Saturday. Democrats say they will not support the bill without new safeguards governing how U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducts arrests and operations.

The confrontation follows the deaths of two protesters in Minneapolis during encounters with federal agents. The incident has intensified scrutiny of immigration enforcement and sharpened political divisions in Washington.

Democratic leaders say their position is rooted in accountability, not opposition to border security. Republicans warn that attaching enforcement conditions to must-pass funding legislation risks forcing another damaging government shutdown.

Democrats tie funding to ICE oversight

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Wednesday that the Homeland Security funding bill will not advance without reforms aimed at ICE.

“The American people support law enforcement and border security,” Schumer said. “They do not support ICE terrorizing our streets and killing American citizens.”

Democrats argue that immigration agents should follow standards expected of other law enforcement agencies. Those standards, they say, are essential to maintaining public trust.

The funding dispute revives memories of a shutdown just two months ago. That closure lasted 43 days and stemmed from disagreements over expiring federal health care subsidies. It ended only after a group of moderate Democrats reached a deal with Republicans.

This time, party leaders say their caucus is more unified.

Minnesota Senator Tina Smith said Democrats emerged from a closed-door meeting with shared resolve.

“At its core, this is about ICE agents following the same rules as local police,” Smith said. “There has to be accountability.”

Specific demands on enforcement practices

As the Trump administration continues its aggressive immigration enforcement push, Democrats have outlined specific conditions for moving forward on DHS funding.

They want agents to clearly identify themselves during arrests. That includes visible identification and the use of body cameras. Democrats are also calling for limits on agents wearing masks during enforcement actions.

In addition, they are seeking an enforceable code of conduct. The goal is to ensure consequences when agents violate established rules.

Schumer also urged an end to what Democrats describe as “roving patrols” in U.S. cities. He called for closer coordination with local law enforcement and clearer standards for warrants used in immigration arrests.

Democratic leaders say these measures reflect common law enforcement practices across the country. They argue that Republicans should accept them to avoid a shutdown.

To limit disruption, Schumer asked GOP leaders to separate the Homeland Security funding bill from other appropriations measures.

Legislative hurdles complicate path forward

The House passed six remaining funding bills last week as a single package and sent them to the Senate. That decision complicates Democratic efforts to isolate DHS funding.

Breaking apart the package would require unanimous consent in the Senate or a series of procedural votes. Either approach could push action past the Friday deadline.

Even if the Senate reaches an agreement, House Republicans have warned they will not accept changes.

In a letter to President Donald Trump, the conservative House Freedom Caucus said it stands firmly behind ICE and the administration’s immigration agenda.

“The package will not come back through the House without funding for the Department of Homeland Security,” the group wrote.

Republicans call for talks with White House

Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota said Republicans are waiting for clearer demands from Democrats. He suggested negotiations should involve the White House directly.

Thune signaled openness to discussions but stressed the need for compromise.

It remains unclear how engaged Trump is in the talks. A senior White House official said some Democrats were invited to discuss their concerns in an effort to avoid a shutdown. The meeting did not take place.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.

With no formal negotiations underway, lawmakers in both parties acknowledged that a partial shutdown beginning Saturday is a growing possibility.

GOP raises concerns over agent safety

Some Republican senators said they would support separating the Homeland Security bill for further debate. However, many oppose Democratic proposals affecting how agents operate in the field.

North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis said he strongly disagrees with requiring agents to unmask during arrests. He argued that doing so could expose officers and their families to threats.

While criticizing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for decisions he said have harmed the agency’s reputation, Tillis emphasized safety concerns.

“There are vicious people out there,” Tillis said. “They take a picture, and then families get threatened. That is the reality we face.”

Texas Senator John Cornyn called the deaths in Minneapolis a tragedy. He accused Democrats of using the moment to justify a shutdown.

“Democrats shouldn’t punish Americans with a shutdown over a political stunt,” Cornyn said.

Democrats rejected that claim and said the stakes are larger than short-term politics.

“It is truly a moral moment,” said Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal. “We need to take a stand.”

With hours remaining before funding expires and no compromise in sight, lawmakers are preparing for the possibility that parts of the federal government could soon shut down.