The image shows a bold red STOP sign in sharp focus in the foreground, symbolizing political deadlock, with the White House blurred in the background under a clear blue sky, visually representing the prolonged US government shutdown and the escalating immigration dispute in Washington.
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US Partial Government Shutdown Continues Amid Immigration Row

The partial shutdown of the US government entered its third day on Monday. Meanwhile, Congress remains deadlocked over immigration policy and funding for the Department of Homeland Security. It left several federal agencies without a full-year budget that heightened the political tensions in Washington.

The image shows a red stop sign prominently placed in the foreground, symbolising a halt in government operations, while the White House appears blurred in the background under a clear blue sky, reflecting the ongoing partial US government shutdown amid a deepening political standoff over immigration policy and DHS funding.

The impasse persists even though the Senate approved a package of five spending bills late last week. However, lawmakers removed a sixth bill that would have funded the Department of Homeland Security for the full fiscal year. Instead, senators passed a short-term, two-week stopgap measure for DHS. It allows more time to negotiate unresolved disputes over immigration enforcement and oversight. The legislation is now waiting for the action in the House of Representatives before it can be sent to Trump for signature.

Funding for affected agencies expired at midnight on Saturday, which triggered a partial shutdown. The immediate impact has been limited, as many government offices do not operate over the weekend. However, the stalemate is expected to disrupt the services if lawmakers fail to act soon.

Senate Moves Forward as House Stalls on Shutdown Deal

The Senate-approved package would fund various departments. It includes the defense department, health department, treasury, federal court system, and several other agencies through the end of the 2026 fiscal year on 30 September. Nevertheless, the House has yet to approve the legislation that creates a procedural bottleneck.

Before a final vote, the House must clear a rule vote, which is a key procedural step that sets the terms for debate. Democrats are widely expected to oppose that motion and complicate the Republican efforts to move the bills quickly. The House Rules Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday afternoon to consider the package, although timing remains tight. Republicans hold only a one-vote majority in the House, which further narrows their margin for error.

Democrats Demand Immigration Reforms Amid Shutdown Fight

The main disagreement is over funding for the Department of Homeland Security. It includes agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Protection, the Coast Guard, and the Secret Service. At the same time, Democrats are arguing that any long-term funding must include changes to immigration enforcement practices, particularly within ICE.

They are demanding measures such as requiring agents to wear body cameras that remain switched on, banning the use of masks during operations, and tightening warrant requirements. These calls intensified after the federal agents fatally shot two US citizens during Operation Metro Surge. This operation was the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement initiative.

Speaking to a leading news site on Sunday, California Democratic Representative Ro Khanna said that he was urging colleagues to vote against the DHS stopgap funding. “I just don’t see how in good conscience Democrats can vote for continuing ICE funding when they’re killing American citizens”, he said.

Minneapolis Protests Signal Rising Pressure in Shutdown Standoff

Meanwhile, the shutdown coincides with mounting public anger. Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets in Minneapolis to oppose Operation Metro Surge. It happened when the thousands of ICE and CBP agents were deployed to Minnesota as part of the administration’s immigration crackdown. The fatal shootings have fueled nationwide scrutiny of federal enforcement tactics and intensified Democratic resistance in Congress.

Despite the opposition, Republican leaders remain confident. House Speaker Mike Johnson told a leading news site on Sunday, “We’ll get this done by Tuesday, I’m convinced”. Still, with protests growing and negotiations unresolved, the shutdown underscores deep divisions over immigration policy and the future direction of US border enforcement.

Web Resources on the Partial US Government Shutdown

1. TheGuardian.com: US government partly shuts down over homeland security funding
2. NPR.org: Partial government shutdown begins despite Senate approval of spending deal
3. BBC.com: Partial US government shutdown enters third day as funding standoff continues
4. AcademicBlock.com: US Government Shutdown

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