House vote could reopen the federal government

WASHINGTON (NBC, KYMA) - With the government in a partial shutdown, it's now up to the House to pass a funding bill to reopen it.

But with tensions still high from the events in Minneapolis, Democrats say how long that takes depends on reforms to immigration enforcement.

House members return to an icy Washington Monday, looking to unfreeze funding for large chunks of the government now in a partial shutdown.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) predicted passage by Tuesday of a Senate-passed package that fully funds most of the government while splitting off the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

"I'm confident that we'll do it at least by Tuesday," Speaker Johnson declared.

Congress then has two weeks to negotiate the immigration enforcement reforms Democrats are demanding, including ending roving ICE patrols and body cameras on all federal immigration officers.

Johnson cited Tom Homan, President Donald Trump's border czar.

"I think even Tom Homan has acknowledged both of those things are acceptable and what he was intending to do already. So I think we're on the path to get agreement," Johnson expressed.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), the top Democrat in the House, underscored that the path must lead to "dramatic reform."

"The administration can't just talk the talk. They need to walk the walk," Rep. Jeffries remarked.

Some leading Democrats urged a no-vote on even the short-term package, pressing to repeal a huge spike in funding, ICE secured under last year's so-called "big beautiful bill."

"I just don't see how in good conscience Democrats can vote for continuing ICE funding when they're killing American citizens," said Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA).

This comes amid weekend vigils in Minneapolis for two people killed by federal immigration officers: Renee Good and ICU nurse Alex Pretti.

"It's been very, very difficult," said Molly Matheson Gruen, a Minneapolis resident.

"[Alex] lived to help others and that's what he did and we were so fortunate to know him and have him as a friend," said Angela Carrillo, Pretti's co-worker.

Reminders of what's at stake as lawmakers look for agreement to reopen the government with key reforms.

If the two parties can't agree on immigration enforcement reforms over the next two weeks, funding could be at risk for FEMA, TSA and the Coast Guard, all under the DHS.