Democrats Reject GOP Plan, Shutdown Continues

On March 24, Senate Democrats turned down a Republican plan to end the partial shutdown

of the Department of Homeland Security now in its 39th day.

The proposal would fund all the H.S. operations except for immigration and customs enforcement

efforts to arrest and deport people in the country, illegally carving out $5.5 billion

from ICE.

President Trump first rejected the idea, but showed some openness after meeting with

Senate Republicans.

Democrats insist on reforms to limit ICE actions like requiring judicial warrants for

home entries and banning masks for agents.

Republicans argue these changes would slow down enforcement and leave officers vulnerable

to threats.

The shutdown, which started on February 14, has left thousands of workers at agencies

like the Coast Guard, TSA, and FEMA without paying, even as immigration operations stay

funded.

lawmakers face growing pressure to strike a deal, with Democrats planning a counteroffer

and talks complicated by new demands from the White House.