Story perspectives

Republicans Propose DHS Reopening Amid Immigration Funding Debate

4/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

After 59 days of a shutdown, Republican leaders announced plan to reopen Department of Homeland Security and fund it through September 30.
The plan excludes funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol, U.S. President Donald Trump previously rejected.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said funding for ICE and Border Patrol would continue from last year.
Democrats demanded restrictions on immigration enforcement.

History

Historical Context

The U.S. government experienced a 16-day shutdown in 2013 due to budget disputes, resulting in 800,000 federal workers being furloughed, including those from the Department of Homeland Security. This conflict reflects ongoing divisions in U.S. immigration policy, as current funding proposals echo past struggles over immigration enforcement, highlighting the challenges in achieving bipartisan legislative agreements.

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Story summary

After 59 days of a shutdown, Republican leaders announced plan to reopen Department of Homeland Security and fund it through September 30.
The plan excludes funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol, U.S. President Donald Trump previously rejected.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said funding for ICE and Border Patrol would continue from last year.
Democrats demanded restrictions on immigration enforcement.

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