Congressional Deal Expected to Curb Immigration Crackdown and End Brief Government Shutdown
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson has expressed confidence that Congress will reach an agreement this week to restrain federal immigration enforcement efforts and conclude a partial government shutdown that began over the weekend. The anticipated deal follows significant public outcry after the killings of two American citizens in Minnesota, which have intensified debates over Department of Homeland Security (DHS) operations.
Funding Negotiations and Political Dynamics
With the U.S. government experiencing a partial shutdown since Saturday, House lawmakers are returning to Washington on Monday to pass a funding arrangement that President Donald Trump negotiated with Democrats last week. Johnson stated on NBC's Meet the Press that he expects the measure to be approved by Tuesday, relying solely on Republican votes for passage.
Approval of this plan would provide funding for the Homeland Security Department for a two-week period, allowing additional time for negotiations on proposed changes to immigration enforcement. The remainder of the government would be funded through September 30, ensuring broader operational stability.
Key Demands and Contentious Issues
Negotiations over specific measures are expected to be challenging. Johnson has indicated that certain demands, such as requiring federal immigration agents to wear identification badges and prohibiting them from covering their faces, represent red lines that could jeopardize agent safety. He emphasized these points during an appearance on Fox News Sunday, arguing that such conditions would create further danger for personnel in the field.
However, Johnson suggested that other compromises might be feasible, including ending roving patrols by immigration agents and mandating the use of body cameras. These potential adjustments aim to balance enforcement effectiveness with accountability and public transparency.
Background and Broader Implications
The shutdown dispute erupted after Alex Pretti was killed in a confrontation with Border Patrol officers in Minneapolis last month, an incident that followed the shooting of Renee Good in early January. In response, Democrats have refused to renew DHS funding unless new restraints are implemented on immigration enforcement practices.
While this funding lapse is likely to be brief, it marks the second time Congress has failed to fund the government since Trump returned to office last year. The previous shutdown in autumn lasted 43 days, becoming the longest and most disruptive in U.S. history, with severe impacts including halted food aid, canceled flights, and unpaid federal workers.
As the House Rules Committee prepares for a Monday afternoon vote to advance the spending deal for final passage, political coordination continues. House Democrats are meeting to solidify their stance, while the Senate has already approved the funding agreement, setting the stage for critical decisions in the coming days.
