Johnson Pushes House Vote to End Shutdown Amid ICE Debate

House Speaker Mike Johnson faces pressure to pass a funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security by Tuesday. This would end a partial government shutdown that started over the weekend. The holdup comes from debates over how Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, carries out its work. Democrats want big changes after two people died in shootings by federal officers in Minnesota last month. Republicans hold a slim majority in the House and need most of their members on board.

Background

The government went into a partial shutdown over the weekend because Congress could not agree on spending bills. This affects agencies like Defense, Health, Transportation, and Housing. Many services keep running because they are essential, but workers might not get paid if it goes on. Some could even be sent home.

This is the second shutdown in months. Last fall, one lasted 43 days. That was the longest in history. It happened when Democrats fought over health insurance tax breaks. Those breaks expired, and premiums went up for millions of people this year. The shutdown ended with a vote promise, but the bill did not pass.

Now, the main issue is DHS funding. The Senate passed a short-term deal on Friday. It gives DHS money for two weeks. President Donald Trump worked with Senate Democrats on this. It separates DHS from a bigger spending package. The goal is to give time for talks on ICE changes.

Trouble started in Minnesota. Federal officers shot two people during protests against ICE. People there have been upset with immigration enforcement. The Trump administration sent border expert Tom Homan to Minneapolis. Many see this as a way to calm things down. Homan has 40 years in Border Patrol.

House Republicans first wanted a fast vote under special rules. That needs two-thirds support. But House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said no. Democrats want a full debate. So now, Republicans must use regular rules. That means a simple majority vote, but they need almost all their members.

Key Details

Johnson spoke on TV shows Sunday. He said the House will act by Tuesday.

"I'm confident that we'll do it at least by Tuesday," Johnson said on NBC's 'Meet the Press.' "We have a logistical challenge of getting everyone in town."

He blames Democrats for not helping with the fast track. Jeffries told him Saturday that Democrats want changes to ICE. They say DHS needs big reforms.

"What is clear is that the Department of Homeland Security needs to be dramatically reformed," Jeffries said on ABC’s ‘This Week.’ "Masks should come off. Judicial warrants should absolutely be required."

Democrats want ICE agents to stop wearing masks and show ID. They also want to end roving patrols and require warrants before entering homes or pulling people from cars. The bill already has $20 million for body cameras. Johnson says that and ending patrols could be points of agreement.

But he opposes the mask and ID rules. He says those would put agents in more danger. Johnson praised Trump for sending Homan. He noted tragedies in Minnesota but blamed state Democrats for stirring up violence.

House Vote Challenges

Republicans have a razor-thin majority. Johnson must talk to members one by one. Some conservatives might not like the deal Democrats pushed. The process starts in committee Monday. Then it goes to the full House.

Johnson was in the Oval Office last week when Trump talked to Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer. They worked out the Senate deal. Johnson says Trump is leading. The president wants to lower the heat on immigration operations.

House Democrats had a private call Sunday night to plan next steps. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said big differences remain. He called it really hard to get a deal.

Other agencies face shutdown guidance. But essential work goes on. If it drags, paychecks stop for many federal workers.

What This Means

A short shutdown might not hurt much right away. But if it lasts weeks, it could cause problems. Workers without pay spend less. Services slow down. Businesses feel it.

The two-week DHS timer adds pressure. Congress must agree on ICE rules soon. Body cameras seem likely. Ending patrols might happen. But masks and ID face pushback from Republicans.

Trump's team shows some give. Sending Homan is one sign. Johnson says talks are close. He wants good faith from both sides. Law enforcement must continue, he says, but safely.

This fight shows how funding battles turn into policy wars. Immigration stays hot. Protests in Minnesota highlight risks for agents and communities. Any deal must balance enforcement with safety rules.

Johnson bets on his party to fund the government. He calls it the responsible move. Democrats push for changes now, not later. The House returns Monday. Votes could come Tuesday. Eyes stay on Capitol Hill as the clock ticks.