Story perspectives

Democrats Stand Firm on DHS Funding Amid Shutdown Threat

2/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries says Democrats will not compromise on their 10 DHS funding demands by February 13, citing reforms for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Republicans led by House Speaker Mike Johnson dismiss many Democratic proposals as unrealistic.
Some Democrats consider partial DHS funding, a move critics say would weaken negotiating position.
The standoff risks a shutdown affecting DHS agencies, while other programs remain funded through September 30.

History

Historical Context

The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on October 3, abolished national origin quotas that had favored Northern and Western Europeans since the 1920s. This landmark legislation significantly increased immigration from Asia and Latin America, with over 300,000 immigrants arriving annually. Current debates over DHS funding and ICE reforms echo the ongoing divisions in U.S. immigration policy.

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Story summary

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries says Democrats will not compromise on their 10 DHS funding demands by February 13, citing reforms for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Republicans led by House Speaker Mike Johnson dismiss many Democratic proposals as unrealistic.
Some Democrats consider partial DHS funding, a move critics say would weaken negotiating position.
The standoff risks a shutdown affecting DHS agencies, while other programs remain funded through September 30.

1 / 2