Senate Democrats are threatening to block Homeland Security funding unless new limits are placed on immigration enforcement, raising the risk of a partial US government shutdown.
Senate Democrats are threatening to block a major funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and other federal agencies, raising the prospect of a partial US government shutdown if Republicans and the White House do not agree to new curbs on President Donald Trump’s intensified immigration enforcement.
The standoff comes ahead of a key Senate test vote on Thursday. Democrats have warned they will withhold the votes needed to pass the legislation unless their demands on immigration enforcement practices are met, potentially triggering a shutdown at midnight on Friday.
Late Wednesday, there were indications of possible movement in talks. According to a person familiar with the discussions, the White House appeared open to exploring a deal that would separate DHS funding from the broader spending package and approve only a short-term funding extension for the department, allowing more time for negotiations. The remaining agencies would be funded through the end of September under the proposal.
The dispute has intensified amid public anger over the recent deaths of protesters Alex Pretti and Renee Good during confrontations with federal agents in Minneapolis. Senate Democrats have called for new requirements for immigration officers, including removing masks, clearly identifying themselves and securing warrants before making arrests.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said his party would not provide votes for the bill until US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is subjected to significant reforms. He said Democrats support law enforcement and border security but oppose aggressive enforcement tactics that he argued have endangered civilians.
Schumer has urged Republicans to strip DHS funding from the wider bill, which also includes financing for the Defense Department and other agencies. Under the proposal being discussed, DHS would continue to be funded temporarily while talks continue on Democratic demands.
Without an agreement, lawmakers risk another shutdown just two months after a previous funding impasse over expiring federal healthcare subsidies led to a 43-day closure of the government. While that dispute ended after a group of moderate Democrats reached a compromise with Republicans, Democrats appear more unified this time.
Minnesota Senator Tina Smith said there was broad consensus within the Democratic caucus that federal immigration agents should be subject to the same standards as local law enforcement, including accountability mechanisms.
Earlier on Thursday, Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, said federal authorities were considering reducing the number of immigration agents deployed in Minnesota, depending on cooperation from state officials. It remains unclear whether that step would satisfy Democratic concerns.
Democrats are seeking an end to what they describe as “roving patrols” in cities, stronger warrant requirements and an enforceable code of conduct for immigration officers. Schumer said officers should operate without masks, wear body cameras and carry proper identification.
Republican leaders have signalled limited openness to compromise. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said some Democratic proposals could be considered and urged continued negotiations between Democrats and the White House.
However, significant obstacles remain. The House has already passed the funding bills as a single package, complicating efforts to separate DHS funding. Any change would require either unanimous consent in the Senate or procedural votes that could push lawmakers past the deadline.
House Republicans have warned they will reject any revised legislation that excludes DHS funding. In a letter to Trump this week, the House Freedom Caucus said the bill would not return to the chamber without funding for the department.
Some Republican senators said they would support separating DHS funding for further debate but oppose Democratic demands requiring officers to reveal their identities. Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina cited security concerns for officers and their families.
Texas Senator John Cornyn accused Democrats of risking a shutdown for political reasons, but Democrats said they would not retreat.
“This is a moral moment,” said Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal. “We need to take a stand.”
With inputs from agencies
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