Senate Democrats vote down DHS funding bill despite GOP push to restore operations
🚨 BREAKING: US Senate REJECTS effort to reopen the Department of Homeland Security in a 51-45 vote, despite an ACTIVE threat of terrorist sleeper cells amid conflict with Iran
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) March 5, 2026
John Fetterman joined Republicans voting YEA
Chuck Schumer and the Democrats are TRAITORS and must… pic.twitter.com/g6lEnSyXeJ
WASHINGTON, DC: A clash over immigration enforcement has left the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) without funding, as Senate Democrats voted down a Republican-backed bill intended to keep the agency running through the end of fiscal year 2026. The impasse has pushed the shutdown into a fourth week.
The Senate vote was 51–45, falling short of the 60 votes needed to move the bill forward. Every Democrat except Senator John Fetterman opposed it. Tensions over DHS funding have grown after federal immigration agents killed two US citizens during a recent surge in Minneapolis.
This is the second time Senate Democrats have blocked a House-passed DHS funding bill. Republicans said the Iran conflict shows DHS needs funding to help protect the country, but many Democrats, including moderates, did not agree with this point.
Democrats demand immigration policy reforms before approving funds
Democrats in Congress said on Friday, March 4, that they had received a revised funding proposal from the White House to reopen the Department of Homeland Security. DHS funding expired on February 14 because lawmakers couldn’t agree on immigration enforcement terms, leaving the agency without approved funding.
Republicans have pushed to approve the spending bill quickly, saying national security threats, including tensions with Iran, make it important to get DHS back up and running. Democrats countered that argument, stating that the department already received substantial funding in a recent spending package.
They have made it clear they won’t back any funding agreement unless immigration enforcement policies are revised. Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia told The Hill that the department “already has enough money,” and the party plans to keep pushing for the reforms they want.
Among the policy changes Democrats are seeking are tighter restrictions on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Their proposals include stronger warrant requirements and mandates that agents be clearly identifiable during enforcement actions.
“We have received the White House’s counteroffer and are reviewing it closely. Democrats remain committed to keep fighting for real reforms to rein in ICE and stop the violence,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, both of New York, said in a statement.
DHS faces scrutiny amid controversial Minnesota raids
DHS is under the spotlight after ICE raids in Minnesota sparked protests and heated debate over immigration enforcement. Democrats are using the shutdown to push for reforms, including banning agents from wearing masks, requiring body cameras, and mandating judicial warrants for home searches.
The White House and Republicans oppose some of these changes. The funding battle has unfolded at the same time as major shifts in leadership at DHS. President Donald Trump announced plans to replace DHS Secretary Kristi Noem with Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma.
