The Senate was in session Sunday but there is no end in sight to the partial government shutdown as Democrats and Republicans remain far apart on a deal to fund the Department of Homeland Security. It is day 37 of the partial shutdown and the back-and-forth between lawmakers is escalating, with both parties continuing to trade blame.
President Trump has used social media to criticize Democrats, calling them “lunatics” and “unreasonable” for rejecting a proposal. At the same time, administration officials say ICE agents are being prepared for deployment to airports to assist TSA as staffing shortages bite. Border czar Tom Homan said plans for airport deployments are being finalized and that ICE will help move lines and keep airports open.
Democrats and critics have warned that untrained immigration agents could cause harm if placed in airport security roles. A new poll found a majority of Americans want to see ICE operations reduced and that many doubt whether either party’s position makes the shutdown worthwhile. Cristian Benavides reported on the standoff while traveling with the president; Jericka Duncan anchored the segment.