A temporary “breather” for funding was given by the agreement on the federal government, which was reached on Thursday by the Democrats and the White House. This agreement secures temporary funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for two weeks. This period will be used for negotiations around new restrictions on immigration policy and, in particular, on its (ICE) action, in the context of the intensification of controls launched by Donald Trump.
The deal came after Democrats decided to block a DHS funding bill, demanding it be separated from the broader government spending package.
“Yes”, but with asterisks
“Republicans and Democrats have worked together to fund the vast majority of the government through September,” Trump wrote in a post, calling for a “necessary, bipartisan YES.” At the same time, however, the Democrats made it clear that if their demands are not accepted, they are ready to completely block the large spending package, bringing the country back to the brink of shutdown.
The Senate was expected to vote on the deal Thursday night or Friday, with Republicans negotiating last-minute amendments and in-party support.
The deaths that triggered the crisis
The rare bipartisan talks between Trump and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer took place in the shadow of the fatal shootings of two protesters in Minnesota by federal agents. Schumer spoke of a “moment of truth,” stressing that Americans “support border security, but they don’t support ICE when it terrorizes neighborhoods and kills citizens.”
The standoff threatens to lead to another shutdown, just two months later, over disputes over federal health subsidies.
What are the Democrats asking for?
The Democrats filed a series of demands, asking:
- stop ICE’s “mobile patrols” in cities;
- closer coordination with local authorities and stricter rules on warrants;
- binding code of conduct and accountability mechanisms for agents.
Schumer called for officers to operate with “masks off, body cameras on” and visible identification, as is the practice in most police agencies.
Resistance from Republicans
While some Republicans acknowledge that “some proposals make sense,” they balk at measures such as mandating the identities of agents, citing safety risks to themselves and their families. Others, such as Senator Lindsey Graham, say they will accept reforms only if they are accompanied by stricter measures against so-called “sanctuary cities”.
Uncertainty in Parliament
In the House of Representatives, the conservative wing of the Republicans made it clear that they will not accept the return of the package without full funding of DHS. House Speaker Mike Johnson appeared reluctant but open to changes, warning that “a shutdown doesn’t help anyone.”
The next 48 hours are considered critical, with all options open and the conflict over immigration policy turning into a central political gamble for Washington and the White House.
