Washington braces for a partial government shutdown as tensions escalate over President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. The recent fatal shooting of a Minnesota man by federal agents has thrown a wrench into negotiations over a critical six-bill appropriations package, which senators hoped to pass this week.

The incident, which resulted in the death of 37-year-old Alex Pretti, has intensified the debate on the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) funding. Democrats are urging Republicans to reconsider the inclusion of DHS funding in the appropriations package, proposing instead to strip it out and renegotiate terms. This move comes amidst growing public discontent with the administration's aggressive immigration enforcement, highlighted by another recent incident captured on video that has even Trump’s congressional allies uneasy.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer places the onus on Majority Leader John Thune and Senate Republicans to prevent a shutdown by acquiescing to Democratic demands. Schumer advocates for passing the remainder of the funding package, which covers nearly three-quarters of annual agency spending, while revisiting the contentious DHS provisions.

In response, Republicans suggest alternatives such as potential executive actions to avoid revising the comprehensive funding bill. Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins expressed hope that a shutdown could be avoided, mentioning ongoing discussions about possible reforms or procedural protections.

The standoff is further complicated by internal pressures within both parties. Some conservative Republicans, including Senator Mike Lee, oppose removing DHS funding, while Democrats, still reeling from a record 43-day shutdown over healthcare, express concerns about the implications of aggressive funding cuts, particularly for agencies like FEMA and TSA.

As the deadline approaches, the White House has taken a firm stance, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt insisting that the package be passed as drafted, emphasizing that policy discussions should not jeopardize government funding for the American people.

Speaker Mike Johnson and his leadership are contemplating their next moves as Senate Democrats urge the House to cut short its break and reconvene. However, there are no current plans to bring the chamber back early, setting the stage for a potentially prolonged and contentious funding battle as the clock ticks closer to the shutdown deadline.