Senators Consider Deal to Fund Homeland Security, Exclude ICE Enforcement

Proposal aims to end budget stalemate and address airport security issues

Mar. 24, 2026 at 9:18am

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Senators are discussing a proposal to fund most of the Department of Homeland Security, including the Transportation Security Administration, but exclude funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) enforcement and removal operations. The potential breakthrough comes as U.S. airports face long lines due to the partial government shutdown, with Democrats refusing to fund Homeland Security without restraints on Trump's immigration enforcement policies.

Why it matters

The budget standoff over Homeland Security funding has led to staffing shortages at airports, causing travel disruptions. This proposal aims to resolve the impasse by funding key DHS operations while addressing Democratic concerns over ICE's aggressive immigration enforcement tactics.

The details

The deal under consideration would fund most of Homeland Security, including Customs and Border Protection and ICE's Homeland Security Investigations division, but exclude funding for ICE's enforcement and removal operations. It would also include changes demanded by Democrats, such as requiring ICE officers to wear body cameras and identification. Since much of ICE is already funded through other sources, the new restraints would apply to those operations as well.

  • Senators met with President Trump late Monday to discuss the proposal.
  • Senators expected to work through the night to finalize the details.
  • Senators plan to present written proposals for both parties to discuss on Tuesday.

The players

John Thune

Senate Majority Leader, R-S.D.

Chuck Schumer

Senate Democratic Leader

Katie Britt

Republican Senator from Alabama, a chief negotiator

Chris Coons

Democratic Senator from Delaware

Angus King

Independent Senator from Maine

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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, R-S.D.

“Both sides are working in a serious way.”

— Chuck Schumer, Senate Democratic Leader

“I'm going to be working through the night. We're going to be working diligently.”

— Katie Britt, Republican Senator from Alabama, a chief negotiator

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This proposal aims to resolve the budget standoff over Homeland Security funding by addressing the concerns of both parties. It would provide necessary funding for airport security and other DHS operations while imposing new restraints on ICE's aggressive immigration enforcement tactics, which have been a major point of contention.