U.S. Homeland Security shutdown looms as Democrats push for immigration enforcement curbs

Negotiations over new limits on immigration enforcement have stalled and Democratic senators voted down a DHS funding bill, leaving department funding set to expire Saturday.

Lawmakers left Washington for a scheduled 10-day recess as talks over Homeland Security funding and Democratic demands for new limits on immigration enforcement stalled. Democrats sought changes affecting how immigration officers operate, and the White House made a recent offer that Democrats did not accept. The Senate rejected a funding bill before leaving town, and the department's short-term funding is due to lapse this weekend. Key developments: - Senate Democrats voted against the DHS funding bill, which failed 52-47 and did not reach the 60 votes needed for passage. - Department of Homeland Security funding is scheduled to expire on Saturday if no new agreement is reached. - Democrats have pressed for legal and accountability changes for immigration enforcement, including more judicial warrants, clearer identification for officers and revised use-of-force rules. - Lawmakers were told to remain available to return to Washington if negotiators reach a deal during the recess. Summary: A shutdown of parts of the Department of Homeland Security appears likely if no agreement is reached before funding expires on Saturday. Initial effects are expected to be limited to some operations continuing, while other DHS components could face increasing strain over time. The Senate is set to consider the matter again only if a deal is struck or lawmakers are recalled to address the funding lapse.