Overview
- Congress funded most agencies through September but kept DHS on a two-week stopgap that expires Feb. 13, creating a focused deadline for immigration enforcement negotiations.
- Democratic leaders detailed a package that includes mandatory body cameras, visible identification, a ban on masks, tighter warrant rules, an end to roving patrols, independent investigations, and protections to prevent detaining or deporting U.S. citizens.
- Republican leaders have ruled out mask bans and judicial-warrant requirements and are pushing priorities such as restrictions on so-called sanctuary policies, with some floating another short stopgap or a year-long continuing resolution.
- Democrats say they will file formal legislation within days and are withholding full-year DHS funding without “bold” changes, while Republicans contend Democrats are not negotiating in good faith and doubt a deal can be reached by the deadline.
- The administration expanded body-camera use and moved to withdraw about 700 immigration agents from Minnesota, but a DHS lapse would still hit TSA, FEMA, and the Coast Guard even as ICE and CBP operations continue using previously appropriated funds.