Trump Signs Bill to End Gov’t Shutdown, but ICE Funds May Still Be Frozen

President Donald Trump has signed legislation passed by the House of Representatives to end the partial government shutdown, resolving a funding lapse triggered by widespread concern over federal immigration crackdowns following the murder of Alex Pretti, Zachary Schermele and Zac Anderson reported for USA Today.

The short-term extension was intended to give Democrats time to negotiate with Republicans and the White House over changes to DHS in the wake of the fatal shootings of Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis last month. (Photo: Speaker Mike Johnson Facebook) 

“We’ve succeeded in passing a fiscally responsible package that actually cuts wasteful federal spending while supporting critical programs for the safety, security, and prosperity of the American people,” Trump said during an Oval Office ceremony as Republican members of Congress stood behind him.

Most Republicans and 21 Democrats supported the funding package, which passed the House by a 217–214 vote. It had cleared the Senate unanimously last week.

Lawmakers now face a tight deadline to reach an agreement on reforms to the Department of Homeland Security, which includes Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection. Funding for DHS is set to expire next Friday, Feb. 13.

The short-term extension was intended to give Democrats time to negotiate with Republicans and the White House over changes to DHS in the wake of the fatal shootings of Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis last month.

Whether an agreement can be reached on such a compressed timeline remains uncertain, particularly amid divisions among House and Senate Democrats.