Speaker Johnson Confronts Partial Shutdown as ICE Debate Intensifies/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ House Speaker Mike Johnson faces mounting pressure to pass a federal funding package and end a partial government shutdown. The fight centers on whether Congress should impose new limits on ICE amid backlash over immigration enforcement operations. President Trump is pushing for a short-term deal while Democrats and Republicans dig in on competing demands.
Quick Look
- Partial government shutdown underway after funding lapse
- Homeland Security funded only temporarily under Senate deal
- Speaker Mike Johnson relying on President Trump to secure votes
- Democrats demand stricter limits on ICE enforcement practices
- Republicans push back, seeking stronger DHS funding and election rules
- Federal workers risk furloughs and delayed paychecks
- FEMA operations raise concern as disaster season approaches
- Two-week deadline looms for Congress to resolve ICE dispute
Speaker Johnson Confronts Partial Government Shutdown as ICE Debate Intensifies
Deep Look
House Speaker Mike Johnson is navigating one of the most consequential tests of his speakership as Congress grapples with a partial government shutdown and a heated debate over immigration enforcement.
The shutdown stems from a temporary funding plan approved by the Senate that separates most federal agency budgets from the Department of Homeland Security, leaving DHS funded only until Feb. 13. The stopgap measure followed widespread public outrage after two fatal shootings during protests in Minneapolis tied to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations.
Johnson has made clear he is leaning heavily on Donald Trump, who brokered the Senate deal and has signaled a desire to quickly lower tensions around immigration raids.
“This is the president’s play call,” Johnson said, noting Trump’s willingness to “turn down the volume” on aggressive enforcement tactics.
Democrats Press for ICE Reforms
House Democrats say the temporary funding extension is not enough. Led by Hakeem Jeffries, they are demanding sweeping changes to ICE operations, including:
- Mandatory identification and removal of face coverings for agents
- An end to roving immigration patrols in cities
- Judicial warrants before arrests in homes or vehicles
- Stronger accountability and oversight measures
Jeffries argued that DHS must be “dramatically reformed,” saying immigration agents should not operate without clear constitutional guardrails.
Republicans Draw Their Own Red Lines
Republicans, meanwhile, are divided but largely resistant to Democratic demands. Conservative members, including those aligned with the House Freedom Caucus, want full-year funding for DHS and have floated adding measures like the SAVE Act, which would require proof of citizenship to vote — a long-standing Trump priority with little chance of bipartisan support.
Johnson has acknowledged the challenge of uniting his narrow GOP majority, saying he is holding talks to determine what concessions, if any, Republicans are willing to accept.
He has warned that requiring ICE agents to remove masks or display names could expose officers to harassment or doxxing. “I don’t think the president would approve it,” Johnson said.
Impact of the Shutdown
As the stalemate continues, several federal agencies — including Defense, Transportation, Housing and Health — are operating under shutdown guidance. While essential services continue, thousands of federal workers could face furloughs or delayed pay if the impasse drags on.
Lawmakers from both parties are particularly concerned about disruptions to FEMA operations, which many rely on to respond to storms and natural disasters back home.
This marks the second major funding disruption in months. The previous shutdown, sparked by Democrats over expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies, stretched 43 days and ended without restoring the tax credits, leading to higher insurance premiums nationwide.
Pressure on DHS Leadership
Democrats argue the current crisis underscores what they describe as a lawless approach to immigration enforcement. Calls are growing to remove Kristi Noem, with some lawmakers openly discussing impeachment.
Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut described the situation as “a dystopia,” saying ICE operations are making the country “less safe, not more safe.”
With only two weeks to negotiate a longer-term DHS deal, Johnson faces a narrow path forward — balancing Trump’s push for a quick resolution, Democratic demands for reform, and Republican resistance to compromise.
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