White House says DHS funding talks ‘still pretty far apart’ over ICE reforms

WASHINGTON, DC: Efforts to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) remain deeply stalled as negotiations between the White House and congressional Democrats continue without a breakthrough.

The White House has said the two sides are still not close on a funding deal, even after weeks of discussions aimed at averting a partial government shutdown affecting DHS agencies. Amid ongoing talks, political tensions over immigration enforcement reforms are central to the impasse.

White House negotiations and stalemate over DHS

A White House official stated that despite more than a week of negotiations with Democratic leaders, the parties “are still pretty far apart” on key issues related to DHS funding.

The administration indicated it remains committed to working in “good faith conversations to end the Democrat shutdown” while also emphasizing its commitment to enforcing federal immigration law.

Democrats recently sent a counteroffer to the White House outlining their demands for DHS funding, but the specifics of the proposal remain unclear. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic leaders have sought reforms in immigration enforcement tied to DHS operations.

They have particularly focused on changes related to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as conditions for funding support. White House officials, while signaling openness to negotiation, have also insisted that core immigration enforcement priorities remain non-negotiable.

President Donald Trump affirmed his intention to meet with Democrats to discuss DHS funding but stressed the administration’s resolve to protect law enforcement functions and federal immigration policy goals.

Democrats push GOP on DHS funding

Schumer told reporters as lawmakers left town for the Presidents Day weeklong recess, “Their proposal’s not serious, plain and simple, it’s very far apart from what we need.”

Democrats initially sent their 10-point wish list on February 4, which was headlined by calls to tighten warrant requirements, unmask agents engaged in field operations, and end roving patrols. All of these proposals are widely regarded as non-negotiable positions for Republicans.

Many DHS employees are still working despite the partial shutdown, as much of the agency is deemed essential during a closure and parts of it are funded through last year’s massive tax and spending bill.

However, essential employees may be forced to work without pay if the shutdown drags on for a long time. This includes employees at DHS subagencies such as the Transportation Security Administration, Coast Guard and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Negotiations over DHS funding have intensified after federal immigration agents fatally shot two US citizens during an immigration surge in Minneapolis. The Trump administration has since said it would wind down the Minneapolis operation.

Border tsar Tom Homan said Trump had approved his request to conclude the operation, adding he would stay in Minnesota “a little longer to oversee the drawdown, to ensure its success.”