The risk of a partial US government shutdown has increased following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by a Border Patrol agent in Minneapolis on 24 January 2026.
This week, that pattern was broken.
Democratic senators have declared they will refuse to support a DHS funding bill unless it includes accountability measures and restrictions on ICE and Border Patrol operations following Pretti's death. Their stance threatens to delay the wider government funding package and raises the possibility of a partial shutdown.
The Moment That Changed the Numbers
News reports confirm Pretti was fatally shot by a federal agent during an immigration enforcement operation on 24 January, sparking outrage over his death. However, details such as whether he was unarmed and the full status of the investigation are still emerging.
Coverage indicates that video footage of the shooting circulated rapidly, intensifying public outrage and political debate. Democrats have increased opposition to the DHS funding bill in the wake of the shooting and the videos shared online.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer posted on X:
What's happening in Minnesota is appalling—and unacceptable in any American city. Democrats sought common sense reforms in the Department of Homeland Security spending bill, but because of Republicans' refusal to stand up to President Trump, the DHS bill is woefully inadequate to...
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) January 24, 2026
Democrats Who Have Said No
Multiple Democratic senators have publicly expressed opposition or called for reforms before supporting the DHS funding bill. Confirmed names include:
- Chuck Schumez
- Patty Murray
- Amy Klobuchar
- Brian Schatz
- Catherine Cortez Masto
- Tina Smith
- Jacky Rosen
- Tim Kaine
- Ruben Gallego
- Mark Warner
Reminder: Republicans voted to give ICE a $75 billion slush fund, a budget larger than most militaries.
— Senator Patty Murray (@PattyMurray) January 26, 2026
Every Democrat voted NO.
We need immigration enforcement that is sane, upholds our rights, treats people with dignity and basic respect, and focuses on violent criminals.
Minnesota has been the center of America's heartbreak—but we are also the center of America's courage and hope.
— Amy Klobuchar (@amyklobuchar) January 27, 2026
Ordinary people have done extraordinary things: they have stood up, marched, brought food to their neighbors, and they have not blinked.
I am so proud of our state. pic.twitter.com/sFALh3oRpF
Kristi Noem has been an abject failure leading the Department of Homeland Security for the last year – and the abuses of power we're seeing from ICE are the latest proof that she has lost control over her own department and staff. She's either too incompetent to rein in the...
— Senator Jacky Rosen (@SenJackyRosen) January 25, 2026
The list spans both progressives and moderates. This breadth of opposition indicates it is not just a fringe movement but a coordinated stance within the party.
Behind the scenes, even more Democrats are reportedly leaning in the same direction.
Why the Vote Matters
The DHS section of the appropriations package totals approximately $64.4 billion, including $10 billion allocated for ICE. To overcome a filibuster, 60 votes are needed in the Senate; Republicans hold 53 seats and require at least seven Democrats to pass the bill.
Without a compromise, several government agencies risk running out of funds as early as the end of the week. Senate Republicans are considering separating DHS funding from the broader appropriations bill to pass other parts of the budget while isolating immigration-related funding, but no final decision has been made.
More Than a Budget Dispute
For Democrats withholding their votes, the dispute is about accountability and trust, not merely funding levels. They argue that ICE and Border Patrol require reforms before they can receive additional funds. Supporters counter that strong enforcement is vital for border security.
The senators refusing to support the bill are sending a clear message: funding must come with accountability. Without reforms, they will not back the measure.
In a divided Senate, that refusal carries significant weight. For now, the DHS funding measure remains stalled as Democrats refuse to support it without reforms, though the agencies continue to operate under existing funding arrangements.
What's Next
Senate leaders must negotiate swiftly to prevent a partial government shutdown, with the funding deadline approaching at the end of the week. Lawmakers may attempt to separate DHS funding from the broader appropriations package, allowing other agencies to remain funded while the immigration debate continues.
Democrats are expected to persist in pushing for oversight reforms, and public pressure following the Minneapolis shooting could influence negotiations. The coming days will determine whether a compromise is reached or if a shutdown becomes unavoidable.
