U.S. Government Enters Partial Shutdown

(MENAFN) The United States federal government plunged into partial shutdown early Saturday—the second since October—as Democrats and Republicans remain locked in fierce combat over immigration policy.

Beginning Saturday morning, the departments of War, Education, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Labor, State, Transportation and the Treasury lost federal financing. The Executive Office of the President and the Supreme Court face identical disruptions. Remaining federal agencies secured their appropriations.

The $1.2 trillion appropriations measure collapsed following fatal incidents where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents shot and killed Alex Pretti and Renee Good during enforcement operations targeting undocumented immigrants in Minneapolis, Minnesota earlier this month.

Democratic legislators insisted one of six outstanding appropriations bills—covering the Department of Homeland Security and affiliated entities—be removed from the package absent provisions mandating sweeping immigration enforcement overhauls. Their demands included implementing a conduct code for ICE agents and mandating federal officers display identification.

Washington Democratic Senator Patty Murray declared that ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection are "out of control, and that we cannot just wait for the same president who caused this mess to address it." House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated Democrats pursued "dramatic changes at the Department of Homeland Security."

The Senate advanced the five-bill appropriations package Friday evening; however, House of Representatives approval remains necessary before enactment. House legislators won't reconvene until Monday evening, guaranteeing a partial shutdown until that time.

Last autumn, the U.S. federal government experienced its longest shutdown in history, stretching approximately 43 days. It concluded mid-November when the House authorized legislation financing government operations through January 30, 2026.

The previous impasse centered on disagreement regarding health tax credits under the Affordable Care Act, which Democrats wanted extended into the subsequent year. Eight Senate Democrats ultimately dissolved the stalemate by aligning with Republicans, provoking anger from fellow party colleagues.

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