Two deaths during immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis have upended congressional politics around deportations, pushing lawmakers toward a government shutdown. Democrats are withholding funds for the Department of Homeland Security unless restrictions are placed on ICE operations, while some Republicans are signaling second thoughts about the administration’s approach. The shift marks a reversal from just a year ago, when Congress easily passed legislation tightening immigration enforcement with bipartisan support.
The realignment reflects broader erosion of public backing for the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement. Approval of Trump’s immigration handling stands at 38 percent, down from 49 percent in March, according to an AP-NORC poll conducted in January. Congress faces a shutdown Friday midnight unless lawmakers resolve a six-bill funding package representing more than 70 percent of federal government operations.
The Shift
Two deaths during immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis have triggered a dramatic political realignment in Congress. A year ago, dozens of Democrats supported the Laken Riley Act—named after a Georgia nursing student killed by an undocumented immigrant. Now the same Democratic caucus is withholding funding for the Department of Homeland Security, demanding new restrictions on Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations.
The political environment has shifted sharply. Approval of Trump’s immigration handling has fallen to 38 percent from 49 percent in March, according to an AP-NORC poll conducted in January. This marks a significant break from the bipartisan consensus on immigration enforcement that the Trump administration once enjoyed.
Democrats Draw a Line
Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., captured the Democratic position in a social media post: “Americans are horrified & don’t want their tax dollars funding this brutality. Not another dime to this lawless operation.”
The stance among Democrats is uniform: DHS funding is conditional. Unless the Trump administration restrains ICE operations—curtailing raids in schools, hospitals, and churches—congressional Democrats will not approve the bill. The position carries weight. At stake is a six-bill government funding package that makes up more than 70 percent of federal operations. Congress faces a shutdown if no resolution is reached by midnight Friday, January 31.
The reversal appeared in individual votes. Rep. Tom Suozzi of New York, who was among the seven Democrats who voted to approve the Homeland Security funds, reversed course Monday in a Facebook post. “I hear the anger from my constituents, and I take responsibility for that,” Suozzi wrote. “I failed to view the DHS funding vote as a referendum on the illegal and immoral conduct of ICE in Minneapolis.”
Republicans Breaking Ranks
A growing number of Republicans are calling for a full investigation into the shooting death of Alex Pretti and congressional hearings about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations.
Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, the GOP chair of the Appropriations Committee, acknowledged the shift in remarks Monday. “The tragic death of Alex Pretti has refocused attention on the Homeland Security bill,” she said, “and I recognize and share the concerns.” Collins nonetheless urged colleagues to avoid a “detrimental shutdown” by supporting the funding deal.
The Republican division reflects deeper tensions within the party over Trump’s deportation machinery. Some Republicans prefer to emphasize the Trump administration’s success at securing the U.S.-Mexico border—illegal crossings are at all-time lows—rather than defend the military-style enforcement tactics that have drawn scrutiny.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune saw the shift as potentially positive. After the White House sent Trump’s border czar Tom Homan to Minneapolis to take over immigration enforcement operations from Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino, Thune posted: “This is a positive development, one that I hope leads to turning down the temperature and restoring order in Minnesota.”
But not all Republicans are retreating. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., stated flatly: “I will not support any efforts to strip DHS of its funding.” The Heritage Foundation, in contrast, pressed back against any Democratic demands, criticizing Republicans inclined to slow ICE operations. “Deport every illegal alien,” it said. “Nothing less.”
The Shutdown Pressure
The White House and congressional Republicans face conflicting pressures from within and without their party. After the White House sent Tom Homan to Minneapolis—a move many Republicans see as a potential turning point—Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer responded by calling for Republicans to decouple the six-bill package and allow non-homeland security bills to move forward.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said conversations are underway with Congress and that the Trump administration does not want a funding lapse. How those conversations conclude will determine whether the government shuts down Friday midnight or whether Congress reaches a resolution that either restrains immigration enforcement or forces Democrats to accept existing policy without the conditions they have now demanded.