Tensions Rise Over Federal Funding and Immigration Policy Amid Government Shutdown

Mon Feb 02 2026 13:25:05 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

House Speaker Mike Johnson navigates a political minefield to secure a funding package while addressing escalating demands from both Democrats and Republicans regarding immigration enforcement operations.

As the federal government faces a partial shutdown, House Speaker Mike Johnson is under pressure to pass a funding package. He seeks collaboration from President Trump while managing demands from Democrats for restrictions on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, alongside Republican calls for increased funding and measures such as the SAVE Act. With challenges mounting, Johnson aims for a quick resolution to avoid further disruptions to federal services.

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Mike Johnson faces tough days ahead as he attempts to navigate a federal funding package through Congress, aiming to prevent a prolonged partial government shutdown. The debate intensifies around immigration enforcement policies inherited from the Trump administration, with Johnson signaling he is counting on support from former President Donald Trump to spearhead the effort.

Trump reportedly struck a deal with senators to separate funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from the broader federal spending package, aiming to respond to public outcry following two tragic shooting deaths during protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minneapolis.

The Senate approved a temporary funding measure for DHS until February 13, setting a deadline for Congress to reach a consensus on new regulations regarding ICE operations. Johnson stated, The president is leading this and emphasized the need to reduce federal immigration sweeps.

Democrats Demand ICE Reforms

Democrats are calling for substantial reforms to ICE, beyond the $20 million allocated for body cameras in the bill. They are pressing for enhanced transparency by requiring federal agents to identify themselves and an end to roving patrols.

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries expressed urgency on ABC's This Week, stating, The Department of Homeland Security needs to be dramatically reformed. He insists negotiations should begin immediately to adjust immigration enforcement strategies.

Republican Stance and Demands

Meanwhile, House Republicans, particularly those in the House Freedom Caucus, are drawing attention to their own demands, seeking increased funding for Homeland Security and proposing the SAVE Act, which aims to require proof of citizenship for voting eligibility—an endeavor aligning with Trump’s priorities.

Johnson continues to engage with lawmakers to gather support for the funding package, hoping to advance it through a committee meeting.

Consequences of the Partial Government Shutdown

The shutdown has left various federal agencies in limbo as the government festivities over the weekend. Essential operations in defense, health, transportation, and housing services are impacted, potentially delaying necessary payments to workers.

Lawmakers from both parties are increasingly apprehensive that prolonged inaction will hamper the efforts of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assist constituents after natural disasters.

This shutdown marks a repeated strife in federal government operations, reminiscent of the 43-day closure sparked by Democrats protesting health insurance tax break expirations last fall.

Administration Push for Quick Resolution

The current administration has signaled a desire for a swift resolution to the standoff. Johnson reported discussions with Trump, who, along with border czar Tom Homan, was involved in negotiations with Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer aimed at resolving issues surrounding immigration enforcement.

Johnson noted potential areas of agreement, including further dialogue on body cameras and limiting roving patrols.

However, he cautioned against public identification of ICE officers, arguing it may jeopardize their safety amid ongoing protests.

Democrats, in contrast, claim that current immigration operations are excessive and must be curtailed. There is growing bipartisan concern over the fate of Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, with pressures mounting for her to be removed or impeached by lawmakers citing ongoing issues in cities like Minneapolis.

Sen. Chris Murphy emphasized the need for reform, declaring, ICE is making this country less safe and calling for immediate action to rein in its operations.