What DHS deal could reopen?

Republicans discuss a way to reopen DHS

Multiple reports describe active talks among Senate Republicans aimed at reopening the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) after a partial shutdown that began Feb. 14 and has left airport travelers facing long security lines.

The emerging plan centers on funding DHS while avoiding money for some Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, which have become a central political flashpoint in negotiations. One proposal discussed in Congress would fund much of DHS but exclude ICE enforcement and removal activities—leaving the contentious items off the table while still moving other operations forward.

The White House is also described as supportive of the broader effort. Coverage indicates President Trump is backing the Republican-backed approach to fund DHS without funds tied to ICE removal.

At the same time, Democrats have not agreed to the potential arrangement, keeping the shutdown and airport disruptions in place. In Congress, reports portray Democrats as insisting on conditions that would include ICE-related provisions rather than separating them out.

Why this matters: - DHS funding determines whether TSA and other homeland-security functions can operate with full staffing. - The ICE carve-out is part of a broader fight over immigration enforcement priorities. - Airport delays are already affecting travel and political pressure in districts where lawmakers are facing backlash over the chaos.

Related developments in the coverage include House conservatives warning their counterparts about the emerging bargain and Republicans considering alternate legislative paths tied to budget processes.

Overall, the negotiations appear to hinge on whether lawmakers accept a DHS reopening that politically de-emphasizes ICE removal funding, or whether Democrats demand a package that links DHS and ICE components together.