The White House and Senate Democrats reached a last-minute deal on January 29 to avert a prolonged government shutdown, agreeing to temporarily fund the Department of Homeland Security while broader negotiations continue. The agreement comes just hours ahead of a January 30 partial shutdown deadline, following days of escalating tension over immigration enforcement and DHS oversight.
President Donald Trump announced the agreement on Truth Social, emphasizing bipartisan cooperation to keep the government operating.
“I am working hard with Congress to ensure that we are able to fully fund the Government, without delay,” Trump wrote.
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Short-Term DHS Extension
Under the deal, Congress will temporarily extend funding for DHS while lawmakers continue negotiations over potential reforms to immigration enforcement. Trump said the agreement would fund most of the federal government through September while providing a short-term extension for DHS, including the Coast Guard.
“Republicans and Democrats in Congress have come together to get the vast majority of the Government funded until September, while at the same time providing an extension to the Department of Homeland Security,” Trump said, noting that the Coast Guard is being expanded and rebuilt.
Democrats Secure Concessions
The office of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer confirmed that Democrats will provide the votes needed to pass five House-approved spending bills funding the Departments of Defense, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development.
Democrats also agreed to support a two-week stopgap funding bill for DHS to allow additional time for negotiations. Schumer said Democratic backing hinged on continued talks over immigration enforcement practices and federal accountability standards.
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ICE Enforcement at Center of Dispute
The funding standoff escalated after Democrats vowed to oppose DHS funding following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis during a federal immigration enforcement operation. The incident prompted renewed Democratic calls for restrictions on Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
On January 28, Schumer outlined three core demands for supporting long-term DHS funding. First, Democrats want to end what he described as “roving patrols” by ICE agents in U.S. cities, instead requiring warrants and coordination with state and local authorities.
Second, Democrats are seeking what they call enforcement accountability, arguing that federal agents should be subject to the same use-of-force standards as local law enforcement.
Third, Democrats want new requirements for ICE agents to wear body cameras, remove face coverings, and carry visible identification during enforcement actions.
Some Democrats had previously signaled they would oppose any DHS funding extension. Senator Chris Van Hollen said earlier this week, “No, not another dime to this lawless operation.”
Republicans Seek to Avoid Shutdown
While Republicans have largely rejected Democratic demands to restrict ICE operations, several GOP lawmakers stressed the need to prevent a shutdown. Senator Josh Hawley said he supports a thorough investigation into the Pretti shooting but warned that a shutdown would be harmful to working Americans.
Hawley said he plans to vote for the DHS funding bill to avoid disruptions.
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‘Short Shutdown Situation’ Likely
Despite the agreement, lawmakers acknowledged that Congress will not finalize the deal before the weekend. House Speaker Mike Johnson said the earliest possible House vote would be Monday, meaning the government could briefly enter a partial shutdown.
“That will prompt a short shutdown situation,” Johnson said, adding that the House intends to complete its work and respect the negotiations led by the White House.
Meanwhile, Senate meetings continued late into the evening, with some Republicans reportedly hesitant to back the deal. Several GOP senators were seen entering and leaving Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s office, though no public details of their objections were disclosed.
Conclusion
The agreement averts an immediate long-term shutdown but leaves major policy battles unresolved. Immigration enforcement, DHS accountability, and federal authority remain flashpoints as lawmakers race against the clock to craft a permanent solution — and as Washington once again relies on short-term fixes to avoid deeper crisis.
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