With just days remaining before funding for the Department of Homeland Security expires, negotiations in the Senate have intensified. Democrats, citing public backlash over the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies, are signaling that they will not support another short-term continuing resolution to keep DHS funded without reforms. The dispute raises the possibility of a partial shutdown affecting agencies such as ICE, TSA, FEMA and the Coast Guard, while both parties position themselves politically ahead of the deadline.
At the center of the debate are demands for changes to Immigration and Customs Enforcement practices, amid polling that shows declining public support for ICE and the administration’s immigration strategy.
Democrats Draw a Line
Several key members of the Senate Democratic Caucus have stated they will oppose a short-term funding extension unless reforms are included. Sen. Angus King of Maine said he could not, “in good conscience,” vote to continue funding current enforcement actions, calling some ICE practices “unconscionable.”
King’s stance is notable given his previous role in helping pass funding measures requiring bipartisan support. He argued that the current situation differs from past shutdown fights because most federal agencies are already funded, narrowing the immediate impact primarily to DHS-related services.
Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut, the ranking Democrat on the Appropriations subcommittee overseeing DHS funding, also expressed skepticism about another temporary measure. He said Republicans could resolve the issue quickly if they agree to reforms, emphasizing concerns about enforcement tactics and accountability.
Public Opinion and Political Pressure
Recent polling underscores shifting public attitudes. An NPR/PBS/Marist survey found that 61% of registered voters disapprove of ICE’s performance, while 65% believe the agency has “gone too far.” A Quinnipiac University poll reported that 59% disapprove of President Donald Trump’s handling of immigration, and 63% disapprove of ICE overall.
The political pressure appears to have influenced the administration’s tone. President Donald Trump acknowledged in a recent interview that immigration enforcement may require “a softer touch” following recent violent incidents in Minnesota.
Democratic leaders have presented ten proposed reforms, including requiring judicial warrants for entry onto private property and mandating visible identification for enforcement agents. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said legislative text has been sent to the White House and Republican leaders, though discussions remain ongoing.
Republican Leverage and White House Strategy
Republicans maintain leverage through previously approved funding. ICE received $75 billion under earlier legislation, allowing some immigration operations to continue even in the event of a DHS shutdown. This reduces the immediate operational impact of a funding lapse.
The White House has not ruled out further negotiations, with officials describing some Democratic proposals as constructive while labeling others unacceptable. At the same time, administration officials are preparing messaging to attribute any shutdown to Democratic resistance, particularly if disaster response or transportation security services are disrupted.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said negotiations are ongoing, but some Republicans have suggested that the likely outcome could be a clean continuing resolution that maintains current funding levels without policy changes.
Conclusion
The standoff over DHS funding reflects broader tensions over immigration enforcement and executive authority. While both parties express openness to negotiation, sharp differences remain over proposed reforms. With the funding deadline approaching, the outcome will hinge on whether lawmakers prioritize immediate continuity of services or structural changes to immigration policy enforcement.