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DHS Shutdown Nears 40 Days Amid Stalled Negotiations and ICE Deployment to Airports

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DHS Shutdown Nears 40-Day Mark Amid Airport Chaos and Stalled Negotiations

The partial Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown is nearing its 40-day mark, coinciding with the deployment of ICE agents to airports. President Trump previously rejected a proposal to fund some agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Discussions to fully reopen the government continue.

Negotiation Dynamics

President Trump posted on TRUTH Social, stating a preference against making deals with Democrats. He prioritized the passage of the SAVE America Act, an election ID law, and suggested Congress should remain in Washington through the Easter recess.

Sources familiar with the discussions indicated that Senate Republicans raised the idea of funding all of DHS except for ICE. However, President Trump personally rejected this proposal during a phone call with Senate Majority Leader John Thune.

Talks between moderate Democrats and Tom Homan from DHS, aimed at finding a deal, are currently in limbo. Democrats are reportedly seeking more concessions from the administration.

Impact of Airport Issues

Sources from both parties suggest that the increased wait times at airports, resulting from the shutdown, are making a resolution more difficult.

Democratic sources note polling data indicating that a larger percentage of Americans attribute blame to Republicans for the airport disruptions. Democrats have expressed a willingness to fund the TSA.

President Trump's proposed solution to airport issues involves deploying ICE agents rather than reaching a compromise with Democrats on funding.

Upcoming Developments

Several factors are anticipated to influence the situation:

  • Congressional Recess: The decision on whether Congress will proceed with its scheduled two-week recess remains to be seen.
  • TSA Worker Pay: Hundreds of thousands of TSA workers may miss a full month's paycheck by the end of the current week.
  • SAVE Act Push: The extent to which President Trump continues to advocate for the SAVE Act will be a point of observation.

The overall negotiation process has become more complex, and ending the shutdown presents significant challenges, though the situation remains subject to rapid change.