Bipartisan Spending Deal on Immigration Under Scrutiny as Shutdown Looms

Mon Feb 02 2026 16:57:27 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Senate leaders race against time to secure a bipartisan deal that addresses key immigration reforms while preventing a government shutdown.

With a partial government shutdown imminent, Senate leaders are urgently negotiating a bipartisan spending bill. The focus centers on striking a balance between funding the Homeland Security Department and implementing new restrictions on ICE's activities as called for by Democrats following recent protests and fatalities involving federal agents. The agreement could avert the shutdown if both parties can overcome their differences.

Following a tense session, Senate leaders find themselves racing against the clock to finalize a bipartisan spending package aimed at avoiding a partial government shutdown. The deal seeks to address essential funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) while responding to Democratic demands for more stringent regulations on federal immigration enforcement.

On Thursday, a rare agreement was reached between Democrats and President Donald Trump, which allows for two weeks of funding for DHS as Congress deliberates potential restrictions on the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. This development came in light of protests responding to the fatalities of two activists during encounters with federal agents in Minneapolis, spurring outrage among lawmakers.

Trump emphasized the need for bipartisan cooperation, urging members from both parties to support the funding measure. “We don’t want a shutdown,” he remarked, encouraging a “much needed Bipartisan ‘YES’ vote.” However, initial support for the proposal has been slow due to unresolved issues raised by both Democratic and Republican senators.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated there were “snags on both sides” that need addressing before the imminent deadline. Sen. Lindsey Graham expressed particular concern over language that could lead to legal actions against the government regarding privacy violations involving lawmakers' data.

Schumer has called for an overhaul of ICE’s operations, urging a complete review following the recent incidents. Proposed reforms include the cessation of aggressive tactics, improved transparency protocols, and enhanced agent accountability.

As discussions continue, the possibility of a government shutdown looms large, reminiscent of previous standoffs between parties which led to the government being closed for 43 days. Despite earlier commitments to halt strict enforcement measures, Republicans seem open to negotiating terms in light of recent events.

Across the Capitol, Speaker Mike Johnson has voiced opposition to fragmenting the funding package but acknowledges the need to act swiftly to avert another shutdown. Meanwhile, House Republicans appear resistant to altering the original funding bill passed last week, insisting on strict funding provisions for DHS.

The negotiations reflect a critical moment of truth for Congress as it grapples with public sentiment following the tragic events and seeks to balance national security with humane immigration practices.