Democrats Reviewing White House Offer Amid DHS Shutdown

Feb 28, 2026, 2:45 AM

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Democratic lawmakers have stated they are "closely" reviewing a new counteroffer from the White House aimed at funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) during an ongoing government shutdown. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries confirmed the receipt of this offer and emphasized their commitment to pursuing reforms in immigration enforcement practices.

The shutdown, which began on February 14, has been a significant point of contention following the failure of lawmakers to agree on immigration enforcement restrictions. The situation has escalated, particularly after two US citizens were shot and killed by federal immigration agents during an operation in Minneapolis. The deaths have intensified calls for changes to DHS's immigration enforcement tactics, which Democrats argue need to include measures such as barring federal agents from wearing masks, mandating body cameras, and requiring judicial warrants for home searches.

The White House's latest proposal comes amid mounting pressure from both parties to resolve the funding stalemate. A White House official indicated that the administration has made a serious counteroffer, urging Democrats to take action to end the shutdown, which is impacting critical services like disaster relief. This appeal underscores the urgency of the situation as many DHS employees are classified as essential and continue to work, though some could be forced to do so without pay if the impasse persists.

Further complicating the situation is the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) warning about its dwindling disaster aid fund, which has been rapidly depleted due to the ongoing shutdown. FEMA reported spending over $5 billion in disaster relief this week, leaving its account significantly diminished. The agency has faced accusations of political maneuvering by Democrats, particularly as several states, including California and Minnesota, await substantial disaster aid that has been delayed.

As the review of the White House's counteroffer continues, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem is scheduled to testify before both the Senate and House Judiciary Committees, which could provide additional insights into the administration's stance on immigration enforcement and funding needs.

The political landscape remains tense, with both sides expressing frustration over the stalled negotiations. While Democrats are focused on reforming immigration enforcement practices, Republicans have positioned themselves as advocates for urgent action to restore funding and services affected by the shutdown. The situation remains fluid, and lawmakers are expected to engage in further discussions as they aim to reach a consensus and mitigate the impacts of the ongoing shutdown on essential services and operations.

With the stakes high for both parties, the resolution of this funding dispute will likely play a crucial role in shaping the future of immigration policy and disaster aid in the United States.

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