House Speaker Mike Johnson delays a vote on a government funding package, ensuring the partial federal shutdown continues, as Democrats and Republicans clash over critical reforms to the Trump administration's immigration enforcement operations.
A partial federal government shutdown is set to extend into the week as House Speaker Mike Johnson postpones a vote on a funding package, citing ongoing debates between Democrats and Republicans over the Trump administration's immigration enforcement operations. The Senate previously approved a two-week temporary funding measure for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), setting up a deadline for Congress to address new restrictions on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Speaker Johnson, relying on President Trump's involvement, stated that Trump has 'already conceded that he wants to turn down the volume' on federal immigration operations. However, Democrats, led by Hakeem Jeffries, are demanding significant reforms beyond the $20 million for body cameras already in the bill. Their demands include requiring federal immigration agents to unmask and identify themselves, ending roving patrols, and mandating judicial warrants for raids. Johnson faces a tough challenge, as Democrats are withholding votes for speedy passage, pushing a potential House floor vote to at least Tuesday. The shutdown also affects other federal agencies, though many essential services continue. This marks the second time in months that federal operations have been disrupted by funding disputes. While President Trump seeks a swift end to the shutdown, Johnson indicates potential agreement on body cameras and ending roving patrols, but strongly opposes unmasking agents due to safety concerns for law enforcement. Democrats, however, view ICE operations as 'out of control' and 'dystopian,' with Senator Chris Murphy calling for immediate action to 'rein in a lawless and immoral immigration agency.'
