In an urgent response to the partial government shutdown that began early Saturday, House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed confidence that Congress could break the impasse by Tuesday. The shutdown has exposed sharp divisions within the Republican ranks and mounting challenges from Democrats, as the nation watches closely.

Johnson, grappling with internal GOP disagreements particularly over the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding, is also navigating criticism due to the Trump administration's contentious nationwide immigration crackdown. This policy has recently led to violent incidents, including the fatal shootings of two individuals by federal officers in Minnesota, sparking widespread controversy and scrutiny.

The Senate, in a bid to quell the chaos, passed a $1.2 trillion funding package late Friday after reaching a temporary compromise with President Donald Trump, which includes a two-week extension for DHS funding. This move aims to provide Congress with additional time to negotiate reforms concerning the operations of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Speaking on NBC's "Meet the Press," Johnson acknowledged the tragedies in Minnesota but pointed fingers at state Democrats for escalating tensions. He also supported Trump’s decision to appoint White House border czar Tom Homan to oversee the situation in Minneapolis, noting Homan's extensive experience and hoping for a deescalation of the aggressive enforcement tactics previously employed.

Despite the Senate's efforts, House Democrats remain firmly opposed to the compromise, with Representative Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries voicing strong objections. Khanna emphasized the ethical conflicts in continuing to fund ICE under current conditions, while Jeffries stressed the necessity of substantial judicial warrant reforms as a prerequisite for any agreement.

In his interviews, Johnson criticized certain Democratic demands, such as barring federal immigration officers from wearing masks and requiring more visible identification, arguing these could jeopardize officer safety. He also showed reluctance to adjust the requirements for judicial warrants for immigration operations, indicating a tough road ahead in negotiations.

As the deadline looms, Johnson's assurance of a resolution by Tuesday hinges on his ability to unify his caucus and negotiate a palatable compromise for both parties. The nation awaits to see if Congress can indeed align and end the shutdown promptly, or if the political rifts will deepen further, prolonging the impasse and its accompanying impacts on government operations and services.