US senate Democrats are threatening to block a broad government funding bill on Thursday unless the White House agrees to new restrictions on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, raising the risk of a partial government shutdown. The legislation funds the Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies, and Democrats say they will withhold support until ICE’s operations are overhauled following recent deaths of protesters at the hands of federal agents in Minneapolis.
Democrats’ demands include requiring officers to remove masks and show identification, obtain warrants for arrests, coordinate with local law enforcement, and adhere to an enforceable code of conduct. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said the caucus is united behind these “common sense reforms” and that Republicans must act to prevent federal agents from “terrorizing our streets.” Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith added that ICE officers should be held to the same accountability standards as local police.
Negotiations between the White House and Democrats have shown some signs of progress, including a potential plan to separate Homeland Security funding from the larger spending bill and extend it temporarily while talks continue. Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated some willingness to consider certain Democratic requests, but House Republicans have opposed any changes, insisting that Homeland Security funding remain in the package.
The standoff comes just two months after a 43-day government shutdown over expiring health care subsidies, which ended when a small group of moderate Democrats broke with their party. This time, Democrats appear more unified in response to the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good by federal agents. While some Republicans have signaled support for separating the funding bills, many oppose reforms requiring ICE officers to unmask or implement stricter operational rules.
Democrats say they will not back down, framing the standoff as a moral issue. Sen. Richard Blumenthal described the moment as a “moral stand,” while Schumer emphasized the need to rein in ICE and protect communities from federal overreach.
