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Partial US shutdown begins as funding bill awaits House approval
The federal government partially shut down at midnight Eastern Time (05:00 GMT) on Saturday after the House of Representatives failed to pass a last-minute funding bill approved by the Senate. The lapse affects key agencies, though most government operations remain funded through September.
Senate passes stopgap measure with limited DHS funding
Late Friday, senators approved a temporary funding bill that extends full appropriations for most federal agencies until September. However, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees immigration enforcement, received only two weeks of funding. The House, currently in recess, has not voted on the measure.
Trump backs deal after Democrats reject additional immigration funding
President Donald Trump endorsed the agreement after Democrats refused to allocate more resources for immigration enforcement following the fatal shooting of two US citizens in Minneapolis by federal agents. The incident has intensified scrutiny of immigration agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol.
Second shutdown in 2026 raises concerns over recurring impasses
This is the second federal shutdown in the past year and comes just 11 weeks after the previous 43-day funding lapse-the longest in US history. That shutdown, which ended in November 2025, disrupted air travel and left hundreds of thousands of federal workers without pay for weeks.
Analysts expect this shutdown to be shorter and less disruptive, as the House is scheduled to reconvene on Monday. However, the White House has already instructed agencies like Transportation, Education, and Defense to begin shutdown procedures.
"Employees should report to work for their next scheduled shift to carry out orderly shutdown activities. We hope this lapse will be brief," a White House memo to federal agencies stated.
Lawmakers eye two-week window to negotiate DHS funding
With DHS funding secured for only two weeks, Congress plans to use the time to negotiate a long-term deal. Democrats are pushing for reforms to immigration enforcement, including stricter oversight of ICE and Border Patrol agents.
"We need to rein in ICE and end the violence. That means requiring rules, oversight, and judicial warrants. Officers must wear visible identification-no secret police," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer
Minneapolis shooting sparks federal investigation
Lawmakers from both parties have condemned the tactics used by immigration agents following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse, in Minneapolis last weekend. Pretti was shot by a Border Patrol agent during an altercation in which multiple agents attempted to restrain him.
The Justice Department launched a civil rights investigation into the incident on Friday, adding pressure on Congress to address accountability in federal law enforcement agencies.
