US Congress shutdown migrant row deepens as Democrats and Republicans clash over immigration funding, risking partial government closure
The United States Congress is heading towards a disruptive partial government shutdown as Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer remain locked in a bitter funding dispute over immigration enforcement measures tied to President Donald Trump’s migrant crackdown.
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The US Congress shutdown migrant row threatens to suspend parts of the Department of Homeland Security from midnight on Friday unless lawmakers can bridge deep divisions over the powers and conduct of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Senator Chuck Schumer said Democrats would block new funding unless significant reforms are imposed on ICE operations, including restrictions on roaming patrols, a prohibition on agents wearing face coverings during enforcement actions and mandatory judicial warrants before entering private property.
“Democrats will not support a blank cheque for chaos,” Senator Chuck Schumer told reporters on Capitol Hill.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries echoed those concerns, describing ICE as “completely and totally out of control” following two fatal shootings in Minneapolis last month. Renee Good and Alex Pretti, both US citizens, were shot and killed by federal agents during protests against immigration raids, prompting renewed scrutiny of use of force standards.
Republicans, who control the Senate with 53 seats, require at least seven Democratic votes to overcome the 60 vote threshold needed to advance the spending bill. Senator John Thune characterised a White House counterproposal as “an extremely serious offer” but acknowledged that compromise would be limited.
The White House signalled late on Wednesday that it was prepared to negotiate, though Democratic leaders swiftly dismissed the offer as insufficient.
Senator Patty Murray said “half measures will not cut it” and insisted that accountability reforms were reasonable and necessary.
Under shutdown procedures, thousands of federal employees could be furloughed, while others would be required to work without pay until a budget agreement is reached.
ICE operations would continue using previously approved funds, meaning the immediate impact would fall elsewhere within Homeland Security.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency could face operational strain, particularly in responding to natural disasters, while the Transportation Security Administration warned that prolonged disruption may lead to staff attrition, longer airport queues and delayed or cancelled flights.
The looming closure would mark the third shutdown of President Donald Trump’s second term, following a record 43 day government stoppage last autumn.
Analysts say the current impasse reflects entrenched partisan tensions over immigration policy ahead of a crucial election year.
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As the deadline approaches, pressure is mounting on both parties to strike a deal and avert what many officials describe as an avoidable and damaging stand off.
