WASHINGTON, United States, Feb 14, (V7N) – A prolonged deadlock between US lawmakers over immigration enforcement funding is threatening to push the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) into a partial government shutdown starting Saturday, amid rising political tensions following two fatal shootings in Minneapolis.

Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer said lawmakers have been advocating for “commonsense reforms” for weeks, as the shutdown deadline approaches after midnight Friday.

The White House, however, shifted the blame to the opposition, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt accusing Democrats of driving the government toward another shutdown for partisan reasons.

Democrats have refused to approve new funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) without significant operational reforms, including limits on patrols, a ban on agents wearing facemasks during operations, and mandatory judicial warrants before entering private property.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Republicans and former president Donald Trump have shown “zero interest” in bringing ICE under tighter oversight.

The opposition’s stance intensified after the January deaths of two US citizens during federal deportation-related protests in Minneapolis, which sparked renewed scrutiny of ICE tactics.

Even if all Republican senators back the DHS funding bill, Senate rules require at least 60 votes in the 100-member chamber, meaning several Democrats must support the measure for it to pass.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune described the White House’s proposal as a serious offer, though he noted Democrats are unlikely to secure all their demands. Meanwhile, Senator Patty Murray insisted that partial concessions would not be sufficient.

If no agreement is reached, thousands of federal employees could be furloughed, while others may be required to work without pay until a budget deal is finalized. However, ICE operations would likely continue using previously approved funds.

Senator John Fetterman argued the shutdown would have minimal direct impact on ICE, warning instead of broader consequences for other agencies.

Key departments expected to be affected include the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), with officials cautioning that a prolonged shutdown could lead to longer airport wait times and potential flight disruptions.

The looming closure would mark the third government shutdown threat during Trump’s second term, underscoring deep divisions in Washington over immigration enforcement policy and federal spending priorities.

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