The House on Tuesday killed a Democratic attempt to impeach President Trump over his immigration crackdown and deadly shootings involving federal immigration agents, as Democrats split over whether to allow the effort to move forward. The majority of Democrats opposed a Republican bid to quash the impeachment measure, introduced by Representative Al Green of Texas. But dozens, including the party’s three House leaders, voted “present,” declining to take a position.

The top three House Democrats — Representatives Hakeem Jeffries of New York, Katherine M. Clark of Massachusetts and Pete Aguilar of California — said they would not support Mr. Green’s resolution because he did not undertake a formal impeachment process. The 232-to-147 vote to table the articles highlighted divisions the party will need to confront if it wins the House majority.

Ultimately, 18 Democrats voted with Republicans to table the articles, while 46 Democrats voted “present.” Mr. Green, who will leave Congress at the end of the year, has repeatedly defied his party’s leaders and moved to impeach Mr. Trump, including twice last year.