March 25, 2026
DHS deal in limbo as Democrats demand tougher ICE crackdown despite GOP compromise
Senate Democrats rejected a Republican framework to reopen DHS as the shutdown entered its 39th day, saying the offer still lacks the ICE reforms they demand.

TL;DR
- Senate Democrats rejected a Republican framework aimed at reopening the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
- The Republican offer was designed to separate immigration enforcement funding and include operational reforms.
- Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, stated they will send a counter-offer that includes significant reforms.
- Republicans expressed frustration, believing the offer met Democratic demands for baseline funding of enforcement operations.
- Democrats seek stringent reforms for ICE and CBP, arguing that enforcement issues extend beyond Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).
- President Trump's demand to combine DHS funding with the SAVE America Act previously chilled talks.
- Senators noted that ensuring funding for other DHS divisions (HSI and CBP) does not augment enforcement posed a challenge.
- The shutdown had entered its 39th day, impacting federal workers, airport lines, and homeland security concerns.
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