The budget deadlock in the US Senate comes after highly criticized immigration enforcement operations across several US states. The shutdown has left airport security services working without pay.
Democrats have refused to support new funding amid the highly controversial ICE presence in several major cities, dubbed “Operation Metro Surge.”
The operation has seen ICE greatly expand its raids in multiple areas, including Los Angeles, Chicago and Minneapolis. Democrats have decried the move as politically motivated retaliation against leaders and communities that do not support President Donald Trump.
Anger and fear over deadly crackdown in Minnesota
Two US citizens were killed by ICE agents in Minneapolis, and dozens of US citizens have been mistakenly detained. Critics have pointed out a lack of adequate training for agents and a culture that seeks to detain first and ask questions later.
Residents in Minneapolis and Chicago have likened the ICE crackdown to a war-like atmosphere, with citizens and immigrants alike scared to go to work, carry out errands, or send their children to school over fears they will get swept up in the violence.
Observers have also documented inhumane treatment inside immigration detention centers, resulting in widespread health issues, particularly amongst children.
Who is affected by the shutdown?
The Senate deadlock has cut funding to ICE, but also to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Coast Guard, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) providing security at US airports.
For now, it appeared that TSA agents were expected to continue working without pay.
Other government departments narrowly avoided a shutdown when Congress agreed to a budget for them last week.
Talks between the White House and top Senate Democrats are reportedly ongoing as they seek to find a way through the impasse.
ICE agents no longer allowed face masks
Some changes have been made following the widespread criticism of Operation Metro Surge, including reduced numbers of agents on the streets, banning face masks for agents, and requiring warrants for ICE to access private property.
However, at a news conference on Friday, leading House Democrat Hakeem Jeffries said “dramatic changes” were still needed.
This marks the third government shutdown since Trump began his second presidential term in 2025.
It is unclear when the Senate will vote again. In order to pass the budget, at least 60 lawmakers in the 100-seat assembly are required to vote in favor of it. With only 53 Republican senators, at least 7 Democrats will need to join them for a funding measure to pass.
Edited by: Darko Janjevic
DW News
