Talks in Washington DC to prevent a US government shutdown are gaining momentum as leaders work on a deal to ease tensions following the fatal shooting of nurse Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis. Democrats want to remove funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from a $1.2 trillion spending bill unless stricter oversight is added. Reports say the White House and Senate Democratic leaders are close to a deal that could impose new limits on immigration agents. Five of six spending bills might pass before the Friday deadline. The DHS bill could get a short-term extension to allow more discussion about rules, including those about mask use by agents. If no deal is made, the government could shut down shortly after midnight on January 30. The spending bill already passed the House but needs 60 votes in the Senate. Democrats want federal agents to get warrants before arrests and to clarify how they identify themselves. There are only 53 Republican senators, so Democratic support is essential. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said, "I will vote no on any legislation that funds ICE until it is reined in and overhauled, and Senate Democrats are overwhelmingly united on this issue." Senate Majority Leader John Thune said negotiations are "productive." If changes happen, the House, currently on break, must approve the bill again. Some Senate Democrats called for DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's removal and major changes to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and US Border Patrol. Schumer stated, "This madness, this terror must stop." Some Republicans disagreed. Texas Senator John Cornyn said, "any changes must not come at the expense of shutting down the government." A shutdown would be partial, affecting departments like Defense, Health, Treasury, and federal courts, but not the FBI or Veterans Affairs. This could delay court operations, medical research, and tax refunds. DHS includes agencies like ICE, Coast Guard, Secret Service, and Customs. Essential workers would work but might not get paid until funds return. The last shutdown in late 2025 lasted 43 days, the longest ever. It paused pay for 1.4 million federal workers and disrupted air travel and food aid. Since 1981, there have been 16 shutdowns, some very short.