Republicans Block Democrats' Bill to Strip ICE Funding From DHS Appropriations

Partisan standoff continues as government shutdown enters fourth week

Mar. 12, 2026 at 9:22am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In the latest development in the ongoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding impasse, Senate Republicans have blocked a bill proposed by Democrats that would have isolated border patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) funding from the broader DHS appropriations bill. Democrats argued this would allow negotiations to continue while enabling other DHS agencies like the TSA and FEMA to operate and pay their workers, but Republicans accused them of "playing politics" and refused to consider the measure.

Why it matters

The DHS funding lapse has resulted in hundreds of thousands of federal employees missing paychecks, while essential personnel like TSA agents and FEMA staff have been working without pay. The partisan stalemate over immigration enforcement reforms continues to hold the government hostage, raising concerns about the impact on national security and public safety.

The details

Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chair Patty Murray, D-Wash., attempted to advance legislation that would have isolated border patrol and ICE funding from the broader DHS appropriations bill. Murray argued this would allow negotiations to continue while enabling other DHS agencies to operate. However, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., blocked the bill, accusing Democrats of "playing politics" and refusing to engage in good-faith negotiations over reforms.

  • The DHS funding lapse is now entering its fourth week.
  • The latest standoff occurred on March 11, 2026.

The players

Patty Murray

Democratic senator from Washington and vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

John Thune

Republican senator from South Dakota and Senate Majority Leader.

Donald Trump

Former president who ousted DHS Secretary Kristi Noem in response to calls for greater accountability in the department.

Kristi Noem

Former secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

Alex Pretti

37-year-old U.S. citizen fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis in January 2026, the second such killing that month.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The reason we are here at an impasse is not because Democrats don't want a deal, that's ridiculous. Democrats' position here is simple: we want reforms to rein in ICE and Border Patrol, we also want TSA and FEMA funded, but we are not going to be blackmailed into cutting a blank check for ICE to get it done.”

— Patty Murray, Senator (dailyfly.com)

“[I]f Democrats cared about reforms, they'd be coming to the table to get a bill. Instead, they're playing politics. Democrats now see government shutdowns as a handy tool to use anytime they don't get everything that they want. And they don't care if they force people to work without pay indefinitely. They don't care if they put our national security and public safety in jeopardy. They only care about what's in it for them.”

— John Thune, Senator (dailyfly.com)

What’s next

The Trump administration has implemented some reforms demanded by Democrats, such as body-worn cameras for immigration agents and ending roving patrols. However, Democrats say they won't budge unless all of their demands are met, including prohibiting DHS agents from wearing masks, requiring they display personal IDs, and mandating they obtain a judicial warrant before arresting people on private property.

The takeaway

The partisan standoff over immigration enforcement reforms has led to a prolonged DHS funding lapse, causing hardship for federal workers and raising concerns about the impact on national security and public safety. The inability of Republicans and Democrats to reach a compromise highlights the deep divisions in Congress on immigration policy and the willingness of both sides to use government shutdowns as a negotiating tactic.