DHS Shutdown Looms as Congress Leaves Washington Without ICE Deal

The Department of Homeland Security is on track to shut down as lawmakers leave Washington without reaching an agreement on immigration enforcement policies.

Funding for the department is set to expire at midnight Friday, and congressional leaders sent members home after negotiations between Republicans and Democrats failed to produce a deal. The dispute centers on how federal immigration enforcement should be handled moving forward.

Democrats are demanding sweeping changes to immigration enforcement, including limits on certain patrol operations, independent oversight of ICE and requirements that immigration warrants be approved by a judge. Republicans strongly oppose those measures, arguing they would hinder enforcement efforts.

Negotiations between the White House and Democratic leaders are continuing, but Congress is not scheduled to return to Washington for more than a week. Lawmakers could be called back if a breakthrough occurs.

Republican leaders say the administration has already made concessions in talks, while Democrats argue proposed changes do not go far enough. Both sides accuse the other of being unwilling to compromise.

If funding lapses, it would mark another major government funding disruption amid ongoing divisions over immigration policy. The standoff underscores deep political disagreements over enforcement tactics and oversight — with no immediate resolution in sight as the deadline approaches.

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