Trump and Schumer Edge Toward Deal as Shutdown Deadline Nears

President Donald Trump and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer are moving toward a possible deal to prevent a government shutdown set to begin Saturday. The effort comes as Congress races against a Friday midnight deadline to pass funding bills, with Democrats pushing for changes to Immigration and Customs Enforcement practices after a fatal shooting in Minnesota.

Background

Lawmakers in Washington have been working for weeks to approve a package of six funding bills to keep federal agencies operating. The bills cover areas like the Pentagon and the Department of Homeland Security. Tension rose after federal agents shot and killed Alex Pretti during an immigration operation in Minneapolis over the weekend. The incident, which involved ICE agents, led Democrats to reject the current DHS funding bill. They say it does not address problems with how ICE operates.

Senate Democrats held a closed-door meeting on Wednesday to settle on their position. After the meeting, Schumer told reporters that his party agrees on steps to hold ICE accountable. This shooting has put new pressure on talks between Republicans, who control the Senate, and Democrats. The White House has also joined the discussions, urging both sides to find common ground.

Republicans point out that the funding package keeps spending levels steady, with no big increases or cuts. They call it a clean continuing resolution to buy time for full budget talks later. Democrats argue that passing the DHS bill without changes would ignore recent events and ongoing issues with federal agents.

Key Details

Schumer laid out three main demands from Democrats. First, they want to end roving patrols by ICE agents. They call for stricter rules on warrants and better coordination with local police.

Accountability Measures

Second, Democrats seek a uniform code of conduct for federal agents, similar to what local police follow. They want independent investigations into any complaints of abuse or use of force.

Third, they demand that ICE agents stop wearing masks, turn on body cameras at all times, and show proper identification. Schumer said these steps are basic for law enforcement.

"We want masks off, body cameras on," Senator Chuck Schumer said. "These are common sense reforms, ones that Americans know and expect from law enforcement."

The White House invited Senate Democrats for talks, but leaders declined. A White House official said they remain committed to avoiding a shutdown and want productive talks with Congress. Republicans like Senate Majority Leader John Thune have said they are open to negotiations, especially if changes can happen without rewriting the bill right away. Thune suggested Democrats take their ideas directly to President Trump.

House Republicans, many still on recess, have voiced concerns about Senate changes to the DHS bill. Some, like Representative Chip Roy, say they would push back against funding for sanctuary cities if the bill reopens. Democrats dismissed offers of executive promises from the administration, saying they need firm legislative fixes.

Schumer proposed splitting the DHS bill from the other five in the package. He claims several Republicans would support this move, allowing time to add reforms. The full package faces a test vote Thursday, but without Democratic support, it may fail.

What This Means

A shutdown would close non-essential federal services, furlough hundreds of thousands of workers, and delay payments. Military families could miss paychecks, national parks might shut, and small businesses could face uncertainty. Past shutdowns have lasted days or weeks, costing billions and disrupting lives.

If no deal happens by Friday, Republicans expect a short shutdown, hoping to resolve it by early next week. The House returns from recess then, which could allow a reworked DHS bill to pass both chambers. Democrats believe public pressure after the Minnesota shooting gives them use. They say reforms would prevent future violence and build trust in federal operations.

Talks continue at staff levels across party lines. The White House argues Democrats' demands amount to a partial shutdown threat so close to the deadline. Schumer counters that Republicans must choose between order and chaos by supporting the changes.

President Trump has stayed active in the process, with aides saying he wants the government funded without drama. Schumer repeated that Democrats want a quick resolution but only with ICE fixes in place. Both sides see a path forward, though time is short.

The Minnesota case has sparked wider debate on immigration enforcement under Trump. Families and local leaders there demand answers on the shooting. Federal officials have not released full details yet, but it has amplified calls for transparency nationwide.

Lawmakers know the stakes. A shutdown so soon after holidays would hit hard on workers and services. Negotiators aim to thread the needle: fund the government while addressing Democratic concerns on ICE. As Thursday unfolds, eyes stay on the Senate floor and backroom deals.