Homeland Security Department shuts down as Democrats and Trump negotiate changes

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officially shut down after its funding expired early Saturday, as negotiations between the White House and Democratic leaders over immigration enforcement reforms remain unresolved. The impasse follows heightened tensions after federal agents killed two American citizens in Minnesota last month, prompting Democrats to push for significant changes to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. Despite the shutdown, key agencies such as ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will continue operating and receiving pay due to access to previously approved funds. The shutdown affects several DHS components, including FEMA, the Transportation Security Administration, and the Coast Guard, whose employees will work without pay as their roles are deemed critical. Congress adjourned without passing a funding bill, and lawmakers are not scheduled to return until February 23, raising the possibility of a prolonged shutdown. Senate Republicans failed to advance a funding bill last week, falling short of the votes needed to overcome a filibuster. Efforts to pass a temporary funding measure were blocked by Democrats demanding substantive reforms to immigration enforcement before agreeing to any stopgap funding. Democratic leaders have outlined a series of demands aimed at imposing stricter oversight on ICE and curbing what they describe as excessive and violent enforcement actions. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized the need for “serious guardrails” to protect Americans and reform immigration agencies, reflecting growing public concern over recent incidents involving federal agents. The White House and Democrats continue to negotiate, but the specifics of potential compromises remain undisclosed. The DHS shutdown underscores the deep partisan divide over immigration policy and federal law enforcement practices. With critical homeland security functions at risk and no immediate resolution in sight, the standoff highlights the challenges Congress faces in balancing national security, immigration enforcement, and civil rights concerns. The outcome of these negotiations will have significant implications for immigration policy and federal agency operations in the coming months.