GOP eyes DHS deal funding ICE probes, but not removals, as shutdown drags
The plan would fund ICE investigations but leave enforcement and removal programs unfunded
By Chad Pergram Fox News
Published March 24, 2026 10:19am EDT
This is cobbled together talking to senior Senate Republican sources.
Senate Republicans are developing a plan to fund most aspects of DHS — leaving out controversial programs like certain ICE operations — to end the five-and-a-half week partial government shutdown. This emerged after a meeting at the White House last night. There is a lot to sort out at the GOP Conference luncheon at the Capitol today.
However, Fox is told that the Senate could start to move forward on a plan to end the DHS shutdown "as early as tonight."
The new plan would fund ICE investigations — like cartels, traffickers and child predators. But they will leave unfunded programs for "enforcement and removal."
Ironically, this idea would mirror what Democrats have tried to do on multiple occasions. Democrats have asked unanimous consent on the floor to pass bills to fund DHS — sans ICE.
So, Republicans have come around to the position that this is the only way out of this cul-de-sac — even if it reflects the Democratic position.
Still, Republicans contend they are "calling the Democrats bluff."
"We’re going to have to move forward and give them what they want," said one Senate Republican source, referring to the Democrats.
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https://www.foxnews.com/politics/reporters-notebook-gop-eyes-dhs-deal-funding-ice-probes-not-removals-shutdown-drags