U.S. President, Donald Trump has urged Democrats to end funding impasse affecting the Department of Homeland Security, accusing them of blocking resources for border and internal security.
In his State of the Union address to Congress on Wednesday, Trump demanded “full and immediate” restoration of funding.
Trump said the department had been without fresh financing for 11 days after lawmakers failed to agree on a new budget.
The department oversaw border protection and immigration enforcement, including operations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Democrats have resisted approving additional funds unless tighter restrictions were placed on ICE raids targeting migrants.
Trump’s intensified immigration enforcement campaign has triggered large protests in several U.S. cities, including Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Two U.S. citizens were killed during unrest in January, according to reports.
While funding for other federal agencies has been secured, parts of the government have previously experienced shutdowns during Trump’s second term amid disputes over spending legislation.
- NAN