Lawmakers Reach Deal to Avoid Shutdown, Push for ICE Reform

Democrats demand changes to DHS funding and operations as condition for passing spending bill

Jan. 29, 2026 at 7:47pm

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Democratic lawmakers and the White House have reached a deal to avoid a partial government shutdown and temporarily fund the Department of Homeland Security. However, Democrats are pushing for significant changes to DHS operations, including eliminating roving ICE patrols, tightening warrant parameters, enforcing a code of conduct, and requiring ICE agents to remove masks and wear body cameras.

Why it matters

The standoff over DHS funding highlights growing concerns among Democrats about the conduct and accountability of federal immigration enforcement agents, particularly after recent incidents involving the use of force. By holding back DHS funding, lawmakers hope to achieve reforms that address these issues and restore public trust.

The details

Democratic Senators are calling for a short-term, two-week extension of current DHS funding, rather than the wide-ranging spending bill proposed. They say they are prepared to block the larger bill if their demands for DHS reform are not met. Key changes sought include eliminating roving ICE patrols, tightening parameters around warrants, enforcing a code of conduct comparable to use-of-force policies for state and local law enforcement, and requiring ICE agents to remove masks and wear body cameras.

  • On January 25, Congressman John McGuire called the recent death of Alex Pretti 'heartbreaking' and 'avoidable'.
  • On January 30, Democratic and Republican lawmakers reached a deal to temporarily fund DHS and avoid a partial government shutdown.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States, who announced that Republicans and Democrats have come together to fund the government until September.

Mark Warner

A Democratic Senator from Virginia who is calling for significant changes to DHS after federal agents shot and killed Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis.

Tim Kaine

A Democratic Senator who said he cannot support additional DHS funding without a reform package in place, and that federal law enforcement agents are 'acting as rogue elements'.

Kristi Noem

The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, who is facing calls for removal from Congressman Eugene Vindman due to the escalation of the conflict in Minneapolis.

Eugene Vindman

A Democratic Congressman who says he would block spending bills that do not meet Democrats' list of demands for DHS reform, and is among those calling for Secretary Noem's removal.

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What they’re saying

“I can't support additional DHS funding if we don't get a reform package in place, and I think that is the absolute will of the vast majority of American people.”

— Mark Warner, Democratic Senator

“I'm watching these federal law enforcement agents who are acting as rogue elements, not even following the basic standards of local law enforcement.”

— Tim Kaine, Democratic Senator

“To me, as a 25-year Army veteran, leadership, and accountability go all the way to the top. She needs to be held accountable. Simple as that.”

— Eugene Vindman, Democratic Congressman

What’s next

If the Senate cannot get the larger funding bill passed, multiple federal agencies will be forced to close, just months after the longest shutdown in American history.

The takeaway

This standoff over DHS funding highlights the growing divide between Democrats and Republicans on issues of immigration enforcement and accountability. By demanding reforms as a condition of passing the spending bill, Democrats are seeking to rein in what they view as overly aggressive and unaccountable federal agents, while Republicans are pushing to maintain current DHS operations.