US government partially shuts down despite last minute funding deal

January 31, 2026

The US federal government entered a partial shutdown at midnight Saturday after Senate approval of a funding deal that still awaits House authorization. The agreement, negotiated between President Trump and Democrats, funds most government agencies through September but provides only two weeks of funding for the Department of Homeland Security amid heightened tensions over immigration enforcement practices. The shutdown follows a fatal shooting of two US citizens in Minneapolis by federal agents, which prompted Democrats to demand immigration enforcement reforms before approving full funding.

Who is affected

Federal employees across multiple agencies including the departments of transportation, education, and defense
The Department of Homeland Security and its immigration enforcement agencies (ICE and Border Patrol)
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and other Republican and Democratic lawmakers
Alex Pretti (deceased intensive care nurse shot in Minneapolis)
US citizens and those impacted by government services
President Donald Trump and his administration

What action is being taken

The Senate has approved a funding deal
Federal agencies are executing shutdown plans
Federal employees are reporting to work for orderly shutdown activities
The Justice Department is conducting a civil rights investigation into the Minneapolis shooting
President Trump is urging House Republicans to vote for the deal

Why it matters

This shutdown represents the second government funding lapse within a year and reflects deepening political divisions over immigration enforcement policies. The fatal shooting in Minneapolis has catalyzed demands for significant reforms to how immigration agents operate, including requirements for oversight, judicial warrants, identification visibility, and body camera usage. The partial nature of this shutdown and the temporary two-week DHS funding creates a critical negotiating window that could reshape immigration enforcement practices and accountability measures going forward.

What's next

The House of Representatives will return to session on Monday to vote on the funding bill
Lawmakers plan to negotiate a deal during the two-week DHS funding period
Democrats seek to establish new policies for immigration enforcement agents, including ending roving patrols, requiring rules and oversight, mandating judicial warrants, requiring visible officer identification, and ensuring body cameras remain on

Read full article from source: BBC