Shutdown Risk Grows As Democrats Demand ICE Changes

The Senate is set to hold a procedural vote Thursday on a funding package aimed at preventing a partial government shutdown, but Democrats are blocking progress unless immigration enforcement reforms are addressed.

While Congress has passed half of the annual spending bills, several federal agencies face shutdown procedures starting Saturday if new funding is not approved.

Democrats poised to trigger government shutdown if White House won't meet demands for ICE reform https://t.co/L0d7qGyK3z

— ABC11 EyewitnessNews (@ABC11_WTVD) January 29, 2026

Democrats are demanding that funding for the Department of Homeland Security be removed from the package following the fatal shooting of a civilian by Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said DHS funding lacks the votes to advance without legislative limits on ICE practices. Republicans hold 53 Senate seats and need Democratic support to reach the 60-vote threshold.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said talks are ongoing, though Republicans prefer keeping the funding package intact. A short shutdown remains possible if the House does not act in time.

Also read:

Shutdown Talks Intensify As White House, Senate Race Deadline

Talks to prevent a federal government shutdown intensified Thursday as the White House and Senate leaders worked to resolve final disputes ahead of a Friday funding deadline. Negotiators are considering a plan that would fund most federal agencies through the end of September, while extending funding for the Department of

tippinsightsTIPP Staff