Washington Scrambles to Avert Shutdown as Minneapolis Tensions Influence DHS Funding Fight

This is the online edition of From the Politics Desk, NBC News' daily dispatch on the latest from the White House, Capitol Hill, and the campaign trail.

WASHINGTON — With a Friday night deadline looming, negotiators for the White House and Senate Democrats are in intense talks to prevent a partial government shutdown, focusing on a contentious short-term funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security.

The push for a stopgap measure, known as a continuing resolution (CR), follows the Senate's rejection of a $1.2 trillion House-passed funding package on Wednesday. That vote, which failed 45-55, underscored deep partisan divisions over DHS and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, particularly in the wake of the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis last weekend.

"We are working in good faith to find a bipartisan path forward and avoid the disruption of a shutdown," President Donald Trump said following a Cabinet meeting. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) echoed the urgency but tied the funding fight directly to the situation in Minnesota: "Congress has both the authority and the moral obligation to ensure agencies operate within the law and respect the rights and safety of all communities."

The emerging framework would fund other government agencies through the fiscal year but provide only temporary funding for DHS, buying time for negotiations on potential oversight or operational changes demanded by Democrats.

Minneapolis: A Shift in Tone?

The funding stalemate is inextricably linked to the administration's response in Minneapolis. This week, Tom Homan, the White House border czar, assumed a central role, replacing the more confrontational Greg Bovino. In his first public remarks, Homan, a career official who served under both President Obama and Trump, struck a notably conciliatory tone, emphasizing de-escalation and cooperation with local Democratic leaders.

"I don't want to see anybody die, even the people we're looking for," Homan stated, marking a rhetorical departure from some of his predecessors. His appointment is seen as an attempt to lower temperatures, though it remains unclear if it signals a substantive change in enforcement tactics on the ground.

Voices from the Public

We asked readers for their reaction to the ongoing negotiations and the developments in Minneapolis. Here's a sample of responses:

Michael R., Political Science Professor, Chicago: "This is classic crisis-driven governance. The Minneapolis tragedy created a political imperative for both sides to be seen as seeking solutions. The short-term CR is a pressure valve, but it postpones the fundamental debate about immigration enforcement's scope and accountability."

Linda Torres, Community Organizer, Phoenix: "Homan's 'softer' words are meaningless while the policies remain brutal. Replacing a poster boy for aggression doesn't change a system designed to terrorize immigrant communities. This funding fight should be about stripping ICE of its power to separate families and act with impunity."

David P., Small Business Owner, Ohio: "Enough with the brinkmanship. Shutdowns hurt everyone and solve nothing. Both parties need to fund the government, secure the border through legal channels, and stop using agencies as political footballs after every local tragedy."

Sarah Chen, Policy Analyst, D.C. Think Tank: "The GOP dissent on the House bill is telling. It shows Democrats have real leverage. The focus now should be on crafting DHS funding with clear guardrails to prevent the misuse of resources against non-threatening individuals, as seen in Minneapolis."

Also in Today's Brief

• Charges Filed: The Justice Department charged a man for allegedly attempting to assault Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) with a syringe during a Minneapolis town hall.
• Klobuchar's Move: Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) announced her candidacy for governor, aiming to succeed Tim Walz.
• 2028 Speculation: Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) criticized VP JD Vance, suggesting he has comforted those with anti-Jewish views amid GOP internal debates.

Today's newsletter was compiled by Adam Wollner. Sign up to receive From the Politics Desk in your inbox weekday mornings.