Bipartisan Negotiations Intensify as Government Shutdown Looms

Mon Feb 02 2026 16:38:58 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Senate leaders are in urgent talks to finalize a spending agreement and prevent a partial government shutdown amidst demands for new immigration restrictions by Democrats.

As a midnight deadline approaches for government funding, Senate leaders are striving to reach a bipartisan agreement that separates Homeland Security funding from broader budget concerns. Democrats are insisting on new restrictions on ICE operations following recent controversial federal immigration raids. Talks are complicated by demands for accountability measures for immigration agents and pushback from some Republicans. With the government shutdown threat looming, continued negotiations will determine the outcome.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate leaders are scrambling to save a bipartisan spending deal and avert a partial government shutdown at midnight Friday as Democrats demand new restrictions on federal immigration raids across the country.

On Thursday, Democrats struck a rare agreement with President Trump to separate funding for the Homeland Security Department from the broad government spending bill, while extending its budget for two weeks as negotiations continue. This comes in light of mounting anger and demands following the deaths of two protesters due to federal intervention in Minneapolis.

Trump took to social media to call for a bipartisan 'YES' vote to continue funding the government until September and extended current funding for Homeland Security.

Despite bipartisan talks, Senate leaders were still navigating objections from both parties late Thursday, creating uncertainty about passing the agreement before the deadline.

“Hopefully people will be of the spirit to try and get this done tomorrow,” said Senate Majority Leader John Thune.

Rare Bipartisan Talks

The unusual talks between Trump and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer arose following tragic events leading to calls for a thorough investigation into ICE's actions. Schumer emphasized that Congress is responsible for acting against what he dubbed state-sanctioned thuggery.

Despite bipartisan pressure for reform, Democrats remain steadfast in their demands for ICE accountability, while Republicans express hesitance over conceding significant policy changes.

Policy Divergence

As the standoff continues, Republicans are hesitant to meet all of the Democrats' requirements. North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis emphasized security concerns regarding ICE agents being required to identify themselves, while others within the party express varying levels of acceptance of proposed reforms.

Uncertain Outcome

As the Senate prepares for negotiations, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson indicated he remains opposed to breaking funding packages but recognizes the urgency due to the looming deadline. House Republicans align strongly with Trump’s stance on ICE funding, further complicating bipartisan efforts.

With time running short, the path forward remains fraught with contention as both sides seek resolution while navigating public and internal party pressures.