Senators Consider Funding Deal for Homeland Security, Excluding ICE Enforcement

Proposal would fund TSA and other Homeland Security operations but limit ICE deportation efforts

Mar. 24, 2026 at 9:36pm

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Senators are racing to reach a deal to end the Homeland Security shutdown by funding much of the department, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) airport workers, but excluding the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enforcement operations that have been at the center of the dispute. The potential breakthrough comes as U.S. airports face long security lines and travel disruptions due to the funding lapse.

Why it matters

The Homeland Security shutdown has become a political standoff over the Trump administration's aggressive immigration and deportation agenda. Democrats are refusing to fund the department without restraints on ICE's operations, following incidents where agents killed two citizens in Minneapolis. The proposed deal aims to resolve the impasse by funding most Homeland Security functions while limiting ICE's enforcement and removal efforts.

The details

The emerging proposal would fund Homeland Security operations like the TSA and Customs and Border Protection, but not the core ICE enforcement and removal operations that are central to Trump's deportation agenda. The plan would also include changes demanded by Democrats, such as requiring ICE officers to wear body cameras and identification, and restricting the deployment of ICE agents at airport security checkpoints.

  • The Homeland Security funding lapse began in mid-February 2026.
  • Senators met at the White House with President Trump on Monday evening to discuss a potential deal.

The players

John Thune

Senate Majority Leader, a Republican from South Dakota.

Chuck Schumer

Senate Democratic Leader.

Katie Britt

Republican Senator from Alabama, a chief negotiator on the deal.

Markwayne Mullin

Oklahoma Senator confirmed as the President's handpicked replacement for Homeland Security Secretary.

Kristi Noem

Former Homeland Security Secretary who was ousted amid the public outcry over immigration operations.

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What they’re saying

“All I can say is that the discussions have been very positive and productive, and hopefully headed in the right direction.”

— John Thune, Senate Majority Leader

“Both sides are working in a serious way.”

— Chuck Schumer, Senate Democratic Leader

What’s next

The proposal will need to be approved by both the Senate and House of Representatives before being signed into law by the President.

The takeaway

This deal represents a potential compromise to end the Homeland Security shutdown by funding critical functions like the TSA, while imposing limits on the Trump administration's aggressive immigration enforcement agenda that has been at the heart of the political standoff.