Immigration shootings fuel Democratic opposition
The likelihood of a partial U.S. government shutdown increased sharply on Sunday after Democratic senators warned they would block a major federal funding package unless money for the Department of Homeland Security is removed.
The standoff follows the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen and ICU nurse, by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis on Saturday. The incident marked the second fatal shooting by immigration officers in the city this month, intensifying criticism of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection.
Democratic lawmakers said they cannot support legislation that continues to fund DHS without reforms or accountability measures.
Republicans press ahead with funding package
The House of Representatives passed a $1.2 trillion funding bill last week that would finance federal government operations through the remainder of the fiscal year. The package includes funding for DHS, as well as Defense, Health and Human Services, Labor, Housing and Urban Development, Transportation, Education, State and Treasury.
Senate Republican leadership has indicated it will not remove DHS funding from the bill, despite Democratic objections. Government funding expires Friday, and without Senate approval, a partial shutdown would begin.
The measure requires 60 votes to pass the Senate. Republicans hold a 53-47 majority, meaning they need Democratic support to overcome a filibuster.
Democrats call for DHS bill to be split
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats will not allow the current bill to advance in its current form, citing what he called abuses by immigration enforcement officers.
Several senators urged Republicans to separate DHS funding from the broader package to allow negotiations on immigration enforcement while avoiding a shutdown.
Independent Sen. Angus King of Maine said lawmakers could prevent a shutdown by taking up DHS funding separately and placing guardrails and accountability on the agency. Other Democrats echoed that approach, warning they would vote against the bill if DHS funding remains included.
Complications and tight timeline
Any changes made by the Senate would require the House to return from recess to approve the revised legislation, a step that remains uncertain. Adding to the challenge, a major winter storm forced the Senate to cancel votes on Monday, compressing the already narrow window to act.
While some Democrats may still support the bill to protect funding for other agencies, several who previously helped end last year’s prolonged shutdown have signaled they will not do so under the current circumstances.
Without a compromise, Congress faces the prospect of another disruptive shutdown as political tensions over immigration enforcement escalate.
