What Next | Daily News and Analysis Sure Looks Like Another Government Shutdown
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Jan 29, 2026 
David Dayen, executive editor of The American Prospect and investigative reporter on federal policy, breaks down federal responses to the Minneapolis killings and ICE and Border Patrol behavior. He explores how DHS funding gives Democrats leverage in the Senate. They discuss concrete demands on DHS, risks of a shutdown, and who to pressure within the immigration chain.
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Words Changed, Actions Stayed The Same
- The White House softened rhetoric after federal agents killed Alex Preddy but kept many enforcement operations active.
- David Dayen argues appearances changed while federal actions largely did not, prompting bipartisan concern.
DHS Funding Gives Democrats Leverage
- Senate Democrats gained leverage because DHS funding is bundled in an urgent multi-bill package due this week.
- That leverage gives Democrats bargaining power to demand concrete limits on ICE and CBP operations.
Use Funding To Force Immediate Legal Changes
- Insist on statutory changes rather than promises or executive orders when using funding leverage.
- Demand immediate action tied to the DHS bill, not vague future votes or White House assurances.