Senate Democrats Threaten to Block DHS Funding After Fatal Federal Shooting in Minnesota.
A sweeping U.S. government funding package is facing renewed uncertainty in the Senate after another person was fatally shot by a federal officer in Minneapolis, intensifying Democratic opposition to funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and raising the risk of a government shutdown next Friday at midnight.
The legislation, which has already passed the House, requires 60 votes in the Senate, where Republicans hold 53 seats. Several Democrats who previously supported recent spending measures now say they will oppose the package unless restrictions are imposed on how immigration officers conduct enforcement operations.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats would refuse to advance the bill if DHS funding remains included without safeguards.
“What’s happening in Minnesota is appalling and unacceptable in any American city,” Schumer said Saturday. “The DHS bill is woefully inadequate to rein in the abuses of ICE. I will vote no.”
The victim in Saturday’s shooting was identified as Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse who served military veterans, according to local authorities. The incident has intensified scrutiny of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
Senators Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen of Nevada, who had previously backed government reopening efforts, also announced opposition to the DHS measure. Cortez Masto said undertrained federal agents were being deployed “with no accountability,” while Rosen said she would oppose any bill funding ICE without “guardrails” to prevent abuses of power.
Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia, Sen. Brian Schatz of Hawaii, and Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut echoed those concerns, calling for stronger accountability and transparency within DHS.
Meanwhile, Republican senators defended DHS following the killing, while top Democratic appropriator Sen. Patty Murray demanded an investigation.
“This looks like an execution. There must be accountability,” Murray wrote on X. “Joining ICE does not give you license to murder.”
The current funding package maintains ICE funding at existing levels but excludes restrictions Democrats had sought regarding enforcement tactics. While some Democrats have proposed separating DHS funding from the broader bill, Republican leadership has indicated the measures will remain combined.
Complicating matters further, Republicans recently passed a one-time $170 billion infusion for immigration enforcement, meaning DHS could still access funds even if regular funding lapses.
With the Senate vote expected next week, Republicans will need support from at least seven Democrats to avoid a shutdown — support that now appears increasingly uncertain as the political fallout from the Minnesota killing continues to ripple through Congress.
