Negotiations between the White House and congressional Democrats over crackdowns on undocumented immigrants have stalled, with federal lawmakers leaving town without passing a budget for the Department of Homeland Security.

As a result, the Department of Homeland Security faces a shutdown, with most of its funding set to expire Saturday morning.

This government shutdown would be the third in just over a year of President Donald Trump's administration.

The partial federal government shutdown, set to begin at 12:01 AM, will affect about 13% of federal employees, but most of the affected Department of Homeland Security employees will be required to continue working without pay, The Washington Post reported.

Democrats have demanded new regulations for immigration enforcement officers as a condition for approving the Department of Homeland Security's budget.

However, the shutdown will not halt operations at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This is because Republicans allocated tens of millions of dollars in additional funding to these agencies last year.

The problem lies with other key agencies within the Department of Homeland Security. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), responsible for airport security, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the Coast Guard could all face shutdowns due to lack of funding.

Unlike in the past, most lawmakers did not engage in last-minute negotiations this time. After Democrats blocked the consideration of the Department of Homeland Security's budget until September 30, the Senate went on a week-long recess on Thursday, and some lawmakers from both parties immediately departed for Germany to attend the Munich Security Conference.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) have both stated that their caucuses will return to Washington if an agreement is reached.

However, the House, which would need to vote on any revised agreement from the Senate, is not expected to convene until next week.

On Saturday, Democrats sent a proposal to the White House detailing over ten demands, including stricter criteria for issuing warrants, prohibiting federal immigration agents from wearing masks, mandating the use of body cameras, and requiring judicial warrants before entering homes.

The White House presented a counter-proposal on Wednesday night, which Democrats dismissed as insincere, and negotiations between lawmakers have lost momentum. Democrats have stated they will present another proposal, but no specific timeframe has been provided.

President Donald Trump told reporters on Friday, "We are having conversations, but we have to protect our law enforcement," adding, "I know what they want, and I know what they can afford. The Democrats are not rational."

Previously, Congress had approved budgets for all federal agencies except the Department of Homeland Security until September 30, so all federal functions necessary for public safety, national security, and the protection of government property are expected to continue during this government shutdown. However, employees will be working without pay.

According to the shutdown plan released by the Department of Homeland Security in late September of last year, 91% of its employees will continue to work without pay.

Senator McConnell said, "Each time this process repeats itself, I think we get one step closer to an agreement because the White House is making more and more concessions on the core issues. But so far, the Democrats have shown no reciprocity. If both sides genuinely want a solution, there is ample room for compromise. This problem can be solved."

On Friday, Senator Schumer posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) showing federal immigration agents pushing people to the ground and using tear gas, stating, "This is why Democrats voted no on additional funding for ICE. And we will continue to vote no until ICE is under control and the violence ends."

Tom Homan, the Trump administration's acting director for border issues, announced on Thursday that a large-scale operation to apprehend undocumented immigrants in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota would be terminated. However, several Democratic lawmakers say this is not enough.

Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) said on Thursday, "I don't think this impacts the negotiations," adding, "The core of the negotiation is whether ICE will continue to use these illegal and dangerous tactics."

Republican lawmakers have pushed back, arguing that the Trump administration is enforcing the law in accordance with the will of the people.

Senator Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) said, "The driving force behind Donald Trump being elected president both times was the forces advocating for open borders and the harm they have done to this country. The American people want deportations, and they want to deport not just the worst criminals, but all criminals."

By Sung Ku Hong, Chief Reporter, NNP US / Special Contribution NNP info@newsandpost.com