Government Shutdown Looms in the US Over ICE Dispute

A new government shutdown threatens the US as a bill to fund six departments failed to pass the Senate. The dispute centers on the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and objections from the Democrats.

Funding for many departments expires at midnight on Friday. If a budget is not approved, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will be forced to shut down.

Democrats are demanding a stricter framework for the operation of ICE, following the incidents in Minneapolis and the death of 37-year-old nurse Alex Preti. The leader of the Democratic minority, Chuck Schumer, described ICE's actions as "atrocities with state support."

President Donald Trump expressed hope for a compromise solution to avoid a multi-day shutdown.

The longest shutdown in US history lasted 43 days due to disagreements over health insurance subsidies.