As the Department of Homeland Security shutdown enters its 40th day on Wednesday, pressure reached its peak at the White House and Capitol Hill to resolve the impasse. Staffing shortages at the Transportation Security Administration have led to long lines and delays at airports nationwide, as workers continue to miss paychecks.
In response, the Trump administration deployed Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to assist at some airports, aiming to ease congestion and support operations.
President Donald Trump said this week he will not support a DHS funding deal unless Democrats back the “SAVE America Act,” urging Republican senators to include it in any legislation.
“Well, I don’t want to comment until I see the deal… I guess they’re getting fairly close,” said Trump on Tuesday in the Oval Office. “But I think any deal they make, I’m pretty much not happy with it.”
Democrats, meanwhile, are calling for stricter oversight and reforms to ICE, arguing the agency needs greater accountability.
Republican leaders have pushed back, saying Democrats cannot demand reforms while refusing to fully fund the agency. House Speaker Mike Johnson said the House has already passed funding measures and stands ready to do so again.
As negotiations continue, the White House has signaled it may support separating immigration enforcement funding from broader DHS operations, a potential compromise that could help end the prolonged standoff.
