The House has passed new legislation aimed at ending the partial Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown after lawmakers agreed to withhold additional funding for ICE, marking a major shift in the ongoing budget battle.
The bill now heads to President Trump for final signature.
The standoff had become one of the biggest political fights of 2026, centered on immigration enforcement spending and demands for expanded funding tied to ICE and border operations. Democrats pushed back hard, arguing taxpayer dollars should not be increased without broader reforms and accountability measures.
After weeks of pressure, House lawmakers approved a compromise measure that funds most DHS operations while blocking extra ICE money sought during negotiations.
Critics are calling the vote a clear concession by Republicans, who had previously insisted additional enforcement funding was non-negotiable.
The shutdown had partially disrupted homeland security functions, creating uncertainty across multiple agencies tied to immigration, customs, transportation security, and emergency preparedness.
Images circulating after the vote showed the U.S. Capitol and likely House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, whose caucus strongly backed the Senate version of the bill.
Supporters say the legislation restores stability to critical government functions while preventing a blank check for immigration enforcement expansion.
Opponents argue the measure weakens border security and sends the wrong signal during a tense immigration climate.
Now all eyes turn to President Trump, whose decision will determine whether the shutdown officially ends or the fight enters another round.