What to know about the congressional fight over ICE restrictions, and another possible government shutdown

[ad_1] A partial authorities shutdown has lately come to an finish, however one other one could also be on the horizon if Democrats and Republicans cannot hammer out an settlement on potential restrictions to placed on immigration enforcement techniques which have been put within the highlight after two deadly shootings by federal regulation enforcement in Minneapolis final month.

A day after Home Minority Chief Hakeem Jeffries and the overwhelming majority of his caucus voted towards a funding deal Senate Democrats had struck with the White Home, Democratic leaders introduced a unified message as they laid out their calls for for reform on the Division of Homeland Safety -- calling on Republicans to "get critical" as lawmakers face a Feb. 13 deadline to fund the company.

"The Home and Senate are utterly and completely on the identical web page by way of Democrats," Jeffries advised reporters Wednesday. "Chief Schumer and I had an in depth, constructive dialog yesterday in regards to the path ahead."

Home Minority Chief Hakeem Jeffries, flanked by Senate Minority Chief Chuck Schumer and Rep. Katherine Clark, Home minority whip, speaks to reporters throughout a information convention on the Capitol, Feb. 4, 2026.

J. Scott Applewhite/AP

Senate Minority Chief Chuck Schumer mentioned they "had a extremely good and productive assembly, and we're on the identical web page."

As Jeffries and Schumer regular themselves for bipartisan negotiations, each leaders appeared desirous to capitalize on the general public backlash towards the Trump administration's immigration enforcement actions.

Democrats referred to as to separate the DHS funding following the deaths of Renee Good, a mom of three who was fatally shot by an immigration enforcement officer in Minneapolis on Jan. 7, and have become extra pressing after the dying of Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse, who was killed in a taking pictures involving federal regulation enforcement in Minneapolis on Jan. 24.

Sixty-two p.c of People say present efforts by ICE to cope with unauthorized immigration go too far, based on polling carried out by Ipsos Jan. 30 to Feb. 1.

What the Democrats wish to change at DHS

Democrats reiterated their calls for on Wednesday, calling for judicial warrants and an finish to roving patrols, a ban on Immigration and Customs Enforcement sporting face masks and new coverage requiring brokers to put on physique cameras turned on.

"Democrats are on the desk," mentioned Sen. Patty Murray, the highest Democratic appropriator within the higher chamber. "We're centered on getting a invoice, however it must be a invoice that reins within the abuses that we're seeing by ICE and CBP."

However bipartisan negotiations haven't commenced, and Speaker Mike Johnson is sending the Home on recess a day early on Wednesday afternoon.

Senate Minority Chief Chuck Schumer joined by Home Minority Chief Hakeem Jeffries and Home Homeland Safety Chairman Bennie Thompson, speaks at a press convention on Division of Homeland Safety (DHS) funding on the Capitol, Feb. 4, 2026.

Kevin Dietsch/Getty Pictures

"The underside line is we're prepared to take a seat down and negotiate," Schumer mentioned. "If [Republicans are] not critical and so they do not put in actual reform, they should not count on our votes. Plain and easy."

Schumer and Jeffries appeared uncertain whether or not they're negotiating with President Donald Trump or congressional Republicans -- with Schumer reporting that Senate Majority Chief John Thune advised Democrats to speak to the White Home.

“Each are afraid of their shadows, and so they’re getting a variety of blowback and strain from their left,” Thune mentioned of Jeffries and Schumer, based on Bloomberg, with Thune including he hadn’t acquired a proposal from Democratic leaders as of Wednesday morning.

"Thune is afraid of his personal shadow," Jeffries advised reporters early Wednesday afternoon. "We're negotiating as a result of we wish to attempt to obtain an consequence, however the modifications which are enacted with respect to the way in which during which the Division of Homeland Safety is conducting itself should be daring, significant and transformative.”

The GOP response

Johnson mentioned that Democrats "wish to have a judicial warrant on high of the immigration decide warrant. And we won't try this," noting time constraints.

Speaker of the Home Mike Johnson speaks to reporters after the Home handed laws to reopen and fund the federal government on the Capitol, Feb. 3, 2026, in Washington, D.C.

Aaron Schwartz/Getty Pictures

Johnson has signaled a "good religion" willingness to compromise on physique cameras, however was adamant that Republicans wouldn't assist a ban on face masks for brokers.

"When you've gotten folks doxing them and focusing on them, after all, we do not need their private identification on the market on the streets, and so we have started working by means of this in a significant manner, in a considerate manner that comports with widespread sense," Johnson mentioned Sunday.

Exit ramps

Thus far, Democrats haven't put their proposal into legislative textual content.

Republicans have additionally not crafted any laws to this point to handle subsequent week's deadline.

"Let's hope that over the following two weeks, we are able to negotiate and get this accomplished," Johnson advised reporters on Tuesday. "[Democrats] say they need an actual negotiation with President Trump and Republicans over immigration enforcement coverage, and we're blissful to have that debate."

The Capitol is seen by means of the Cannon Home Workplace Constructing, Feb. 3, 2026.

Mariam Zuhaib/AP

Jeffries advised reporters that he's a "exhausting no" on a unbroken decision for Homeland Safety by means of the tip of the fiscal 12 months.

"We have to resolve this problem by Feb. 13," Jeffries mentioned. "Americans are being killed within the streets. Youngsters are being kidnapped. Homes of worship, colleges and hospitals are being stormed. We have to get this accomplished and get this accomplished instantly."

Democrats predicated that Republicans are setting the stage for a shutdown.

"Mike Johnson has articulated unreasonable positions," Jeffries mentioned. "He is truly supporting the notion that masked and lawless ICE brokers must be deployed in communities all through America. That is Mike Johnson's place. That is opposite to what the American folks imagine must be happening."

Johnson advised reporters that he was heading to the White Home later Wednesday to speak to the president.

"We'll see the way it all develops," Johnson mentioned.

What's the influence of shutting down DHS subsequent week?

The DHS appropriations invoice funds way over ICE, regardless of ICE getting a lot of the consideration on this present standoff. The invoice additionally funds Transportation Safety Administration, FEMA, the Coast Guard and the Secret Service, amongst different federal businesses.

Whereas there may be some FY2026 funding for ICE, the company acquired a $75 billion infusion of funding over the following decade by means of the already-passed "Huge Stunning Invoice," so a lapse in funding at DHS wouldn't stop operations there.

"What they will be shutting down is FEMA operations, as we're cleansing up from the winter storm. They're going to be shutting down TSA, which is clearly essential to maintain the nation shifting by means of our airports. Coast Guard operations," Johnson mentioned of Democrats' actions. "I imply, so many essential features within the Division of Homeland Safety is what will likely be adversely affected by these partisan video games. Let's hope and pray that they do not try this. Let's hope that over the following two weeks, we are able to negotiate and get this accomplished."