House Returns to Vote on Shutdown Fix as Democrats Push ICE Reforms

The federal government remains in a partial shutdown as House members return to Washington to vote on a funding package already passed by the Senate.

Speaker Mike Johnson says he expects the House to approve the measure by Tuesday. The deal would fully fund most federal agencies while carving out the Department of Homeland Security for separate negotiations. That gives Congress two more weeks to hash out immigration enforcement reforms Democrats are demanding in the wake of two deaths in Minneapolis last week at the hands of federal immigration officers.

Democrats want an end to roving ICE patrols and body cameras required on all federal immigration officers. Johnson suggested those changes may already be in the works, citing Border Czar Tom Homan.

"I think even Tom Homan has acknowledged both of those things are acceptable and what he was intending to do already," Johnson said. "So I think we're on the path to get agreement."

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries signaled Democrats won't settle for promises alone: "The administration can't just talk the talk. They need to walk the walk."

Some Democrats are pushing further, urging colleagues to reject even the short-term package unless it reverses a major funding increase ICE received under last year's spending bill. Rep. Ro Khanna of California said he doesn't see how Democrats can support continued ICE funding "when they're killing American citizens."

Weekend vigils in Minneapolis honored Renee Good and ICU nurse Alex Pretti, both killed during ICE operations. It remains unclear whether House Democrats will unify around the short-term deal or hold out for stronger commitments on enforcement changes.