Democrats and the White House have reached an agreement to prevent a partial government shutdown by temporarily funding the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This move comes as they deliberate on imposing new restrictions on the surge of immigration enforcement under Donald Trump’s administration.
Following the deaths of two protesters in Minneapolis at the hands of federal agents, both parties have decided to separate Homeland Security funding from a broader spending bill. The department will be funded for a two-week period, during which Democrats will push for limitations on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The deal was struck after Democrats blocked budget legislation in the U.S. Senate, leading to the possibility of a government shutdown if the Trump administration did not agree to alter the methods employed by ICE officers in their controversial crackdown.
President Trump expressed support for the agreement, emphasizing the importance of a bipartisan approach to fund most government operations until September while extending current Homeland Security funding. Democrats have insisted on the two-week extension and are ready to oppose the comprehensive spending bill if their conditions are not met, potentially derailing its passage and causing a shutdown.
Senate Republicans, who initially sought a longer extension for Homeland Security funding, were engaged in last-minute negotiations to address requests for amendment votes and garner adequate support within their party before the Senate’s expected vote on the deal.
The pressure on Trump to rein in ICE has intensified following the tragic deaths of two American citizens in Minneapolis during immigration enforcement activities. Senate Democrats are demanding changes such as requiring ICE agents to remove masks, wear identification and body cameras, discontinue roving patrols, and adhere to use-of-force guidelines similar to local law enforcement.
Speaker Mike Johnson of the House expressed reluctance to split the funding package but acknowledged the necessity to expedite proceedings to avert a government shutdown. Failure to pass the bill would halt funding to numerous federal departments and programs, potentially resulting in the second government shutdown in recent months.
Bipartisan discussions between Trump and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer ensued after the fatal shooting of a Minnesota resident by federal officers, leading to calls for a comprehensive investigation. Schumer emphasized the need for accountability and aligning ICE practices with standard law enforcement protocols.
In recent years, ICE has become the most financially supported law enforcement agency in the U.S., surpassing the FBI in budget allocation. The substantial increase in ICE funding during Trump’s tenure includes a significant supplement approved by Congress in 2025, solidifying its position as a well-funded entity within the law enforcement landscape.
Border czar Tom Homan, designated by Trump to oversee enforcement operations in Minnesota, emphasized the potential reduction of officers’ involvement contingent upon cooperation from state and local authorities in handing over undocumented immigrants in custody.