House Speaker Mike Johnson Navigates Funding Standoff Amid Government Shutdown Threat

Tue Feb 03 2026 10:31:03 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As pressure mounts to deliver a federal funding package, House Speaker Mike Johnson enlists President Trump's support to avert a prolonged government shutdown fueled by intense debate over immigration policies.

House Speaker Mike Johnson is in a precarious position as he seeks to pass a federal funding package to prevent a shutdown while facing demands from both Democrats and Republicans regarding immigration enforcement measures. With President Trump's backing, Johnson aims to negotiate a solution amid fiery discourse over the future of ICE operations and the potential impact on federal agency functioning.

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Mike Johnson faces tough days ahead trying to muscle a federal funding package to passage and prevent a prolonged partial government shutdown as debate intensifies over the Trump administration’s sweeping immigration enforcement operations.

Johnson signaled he is relying on help from President Donald Trump to ensure passage. Trump struck a deal with senators to separate funding for the Department of Homeland Security from a broader package after public outrage over two shooting deaths during protests in Minneapolis against Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Under the Senate-approved plan, DHS would be funded temporarily to Feb. 13, setting up a deadline for Congress to find consensus on new restrictions on ICE operations.

“The president is leading this,” Johnson, R-La., told “Fox News Sunday.”

Democrats Demand Restraints on ICE

Democrats are demanding restraints on ICE that go beyond existing provisions for body cameras, pushing for federal immigration agents to unmask themselves and end roving patrols, among other changes. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries stated, “What is clear is that the Department of Homeland Security needs to be dramatically reformed.” He called for negotiations to start immediately, stating that judicial warrants should be required before ICE gets access to private residences.

Republicans Insist on Full Funding

Meanwhile, House Republicans are also making their demands known, insisting on full funding for Homeland Security while pushing for measures like the SAVE Act, which aims to require proof of citizenship for voting. As the pressure builds, Johnson indicated that he intends to discuss with lawmakers what it will take to secure support for the funding resolution.

The Government Shutdown Looms

A partial government shutdown is already in effect as various federal agencies prepare for a potential standoff due to funding disagreements. Essential operations may continue, but many workers could be affected if a resolution isn't reached soon. The impending shutdown raises concerns about the Federal Emergency Management Agency's ability to assist during disasters.

Trump Advocates for Quick Resolution

This time, the administration is signaling interest in quickly resolving the situation. Johnson noted that Trump had discussions with Senate leaders on negotiating immigration enforcement changes aimed at reaching an agreement in the coming weeks. However, concerns about safety for law enforcement agents remain a contentious issue.

Democrats, facing increasing pressure, are demanding a reevaluation of current immigration operations. Sen. Chris Murphy argues that ICE is making the country less safe and has criticized the enforcement measures in place in communities like Minneapolis.