Trump weighs ICE deal to avert government shutdown

Senate Democrats say they will block a funding package unless the Trump administration agrees to reforms for ICE, and talks between the White House and Senate leaders intensified ahead of a scheduled Senate vote.

Senate Democrats are threatening to block a funding package unless the Trump administration agrees to changes in how Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operates. The pressure comes after reports that two U.S. citizens were shot and killed in Minneapolis during federal immigration enforcement actions, which has increased public scrutiny. The funding bill covers the Department of Homeland Security and several other federal departments, and a Senate vote is scheduled for Thursday. Reports say talks between the White House and Senate minority leader intensified as leaders sought a deal to avert a partial government shutdown. Key facts: - Senate Democrats have announced they will block a funding package unless the administration accepts reforms to ICE operations. - The dispute followed public pressure after reports of two deaths in Minneapolis during federal immigration sweeps. - Negotiations between the White House and Senate leader Chuck Schumer intensified ahead of a Senate vote scheduled for Thursday. - If the funding package fails, funding for multiple federal departments would lapse starting Friday night, risking a partial government shutdown. Summary: Failure to reach agreement would cut off funds for several federal departments and could lead to a partial government shutdown beginning Friday night. Negotiations are ongoing and the immediate outcome is undetermined at this time.