Senate and House Republicans finalized a deal Wednesday to reopen the Department of Homeland Security, reversing their earlier rejection of a bipartisan funding plan. The agreement, brokered after days of White House negotiations, avoids a government shutdown but excludes dedicated funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol, which Democrats have demanded stricter oversight for. Instead, these agencies will rely on $170 billion in leftover funds from last year’s GOP tax and spending package, a move critics argue perpetuates uncertainty.

The plan would fund DHS through Sept. 30 but omit money for ICE and Border Patrol, which Democrats have refused to support without new restrictions on federal immigration agents’ conduct. GOP leaders hoped to pass the bill without debate as early as Thursday, though hard-right Republicans signaled potential resistance. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol employees will continue receiving pay via last year’s funding, despite Democratic demands for accountability measures following the Minneapolis fatalities.

Trump initially condemned the Senate’s bipartisan bill as a “joke” but reversed course after demanding Republicans use reconciliation to fund immigration enforcement. Speaker Mike Johnson, who had dismissed the Senate plan as “ridiculousness,” agreed to the compromise under Trump’s threat to withhold support unless GOP leaders delivered an immigration-focused budget by June 1. The White House confirmed Trump would sign the bill if passed, ending a six-week shutdown that furloughed tens of thousands and disrupted airport security.

Far-right lawmakers, including Freedom Caucus member Scott Perry, oppose the deal, calling it a “defunding” of law enforcement. However, Senate Budget Committee Chair Lindsey Graham pledged to meet Trump’s deadline, framing the compromise as protecting ICE and Border Patrol from “Radical Left” interference. Democrats celebrated the outcome, with Senate Minority Leader Schumer emphasizing their stance: “No blank check for reckless ICE and border patrol enforcement.” The deal highlights deepening GOP divisions and Trump’s growing influence over congressional agendas.