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Shutdown persists as Democrats push for immigration reforms
The partial shutdown of the US federal government stretched into its third day on Monday, with no immediate resolution in sight. Democrats are insisting on immigration policy changes as a condition for approving funding to reopen affected agencies.
Senate approves partial funding package
Last Thursday, Senate Democrats and Republicans reached agreement on five spending bills but excluded full fiscal year funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Instead, the Senate passed a two-week stopgap measure for DHS, extending the deadline for lawmakers to negotiate its long-term budget.
The approved package funds the Defense Department, Health and Human Services, the Treasury, the federal judiciary, and other agencies through September 30, 2026. However, funding for these agencies expired at midnight on Saturday, triggering the partial shutdown as the House has yet to act.
House procedural hurdles loom
The House Rules Committee convened Monday afternoon to review the Senate-approved funding package. Before a final vote, the measure must clear a procedural vote, which Democrats are expected to oppose.
President Donald Trump urged lawmakers to pass the bill swiftly. "We will work together in good faith to address the issues that have been raised, but we cannot have another long, pointless, and destructive shutdown that will hurt our country so badly," he wrote on Truth Social.
Democrats resist DHS funding over immigration enforcement concerns
Democratic Representative Ro Khanna of California argued against supporting the DHS stopgap measure, telling NBC News on Sunday, "I just don't see how in good conscience Democrats can vote for continuing ICE funding when they're killing American citizens."
Democrats are demanding reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protocols, including mandatory body cameras for agents and a ban on masks during operations. These demands follow public outrage over the fatal shootings of two US citizens by federal agents during Operation Metro Surge, a Trump administration immigration enforcement initiative.
Republican leaders optimistic despite slim majority
House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, expressed confidence that the funding bills would pass by Tuesday. "We'll get this done by Tuesday, I'm convinced," he told Fox News on Sunday. However, he acknowledged that a winter storm could complicate efforts to bring lawmakers back to Washington for votes, given the Republicans' narrow one-vote majority in the House.
Shutdown impacts federal services and economic data
The partial shutdown has disrupted multiple government operations, forcing thousands of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and air traffic control employees to either take unpaid leave or work without pay. Additionally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced delays to its monthly jobs report, a key economic indicator relied upon by policymakers, investors, and the public.
Protests erupt over immigration enforcement tactics
Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Minneapolis over the weekend to protest Operation Metro Surge, which has drawn criticism for its aggressive tactics, including the fatal shootings of two US citizens. The DHS, which oversees ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), has deployed thousands of agents to Minnesota as part of the crackdown.
Democrats are pushing for stricter warrant requirements and greater accountability in ICE operations as part of any funding agreement.
