A. Rahman
WASHINGTON — Negotiations in Congress to prevent a partial U.S. federal government shutdown intensified this week as lawmakers grapple with deep disagreements over funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), particularly money tied to immigration enforcement. With the current funding deadline set for Jan. 30, leaders from both parties are scrambling for a compromise, and a potential deal appears under discussion.
Democrats Dig In on Immigration Enforcement Changes
Senate Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, have made sweeping demands for reforms to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other DHS agencies as a condition of their support for the broader funding package. Their demands include:
- Requiring agents to wear body cameras and visible identification
- Ending “roving patrols” without clear warrants
- Implementing a uniform code of conduct with independent oversight
These calls for strict new guidelines come after recent fatal encounters involving federal agents, fueling public concern and pushing immigration enforcement to the center of budget talks.
Schumer and his Democratic colleagues have said they will not back the $1.3 trillion spending bill — which funds most of the federal government — unless the DHS portion is separated and rewritten to include these reforms.
Republicans and White House Push Back
Republican leaders in the Senate, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, argue the current appropriations package should proceed as is and have urged Democrats to present clear legislative language for any changes. Some GOP senators have expressed willingness to discuss additional accountability measures, but many oppose rewriting the DHS funding bill at the last minute.
The White House has also signaled support for passing the funding package and avoided elaborating on any legislative reforms, describing Democrats’ conditions as a potential roadblock to averting a shutdown.
Shutdown Still Possible, But a Deal May Be Near
Although Democrats and Republicans have been sharply divided, there are signs of movement. President Donald Trump and Senator Schumer reportedly held discussions Wednesday night aimed at finding common ground — potentially focusing on new restrictions for federal agents as part of a broader deal to avert the shutdown.
Despite this, with just days remaining before funding expires, the window for agreement is closing rapidly. If lawmakers cannot agree on a revised plan — either through changing the DHS bill or crafting a temporary funding patch — parts of the federal government could begin shutting down as soon as Saturday.
What’s at Stake
A partial shutdown could affect several federal operations not already funded, including programs in education, transportation, and housing — though essential services and agencies with multi-year funding, such as ICE, would largely continue operating.
The crisis marks the second major shutdown threat in recent months, following last year’s record-long closure that ended only after bipartisan negotiations produced a temporary funding agreement.
