A bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security is stalling out again in Congress. Republicans invoked the war in Iran and the prospect of retaliatory terrorist attacks as they tried Thursday to pass a bill funding the department. But Democrats blocked the legislation as they insist on changes to immigration enforcement operations. While the House will also take up the bill later Thursday, the vote will be more about putting lawmakers on the record again about where they stand. In the end, a bipartisan compromise will have to be reached to end a DHS shutdown that began Feb. 14.

Another shutdown for parts of the federal government is expected this weekend. Funding for the Department of Homeland Security is set to expire Saturday as lawmakers debate new restrictions on President Donald Trump's immigration enforcement agenda. The White House has been negotiating with the Democrats, but the two sides failed to reach a deal by the deadline. Unlike the record 43-day shutdown last fall, the closures will be narrowly confined, as only agencies that are part of Homeland Security will be affected. Still some federal workers could begin to miss paychecks and services like airport screening could be affected if the shutdown drags on for weeks.

The acting head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement is defending his officers, saying they won't be intimidated while carrying out President Donald Trump's deportation agenda. Todd Lyons, along with other agency leaders, faced tough questions from Democrats during a congressional hearing Tuesday. Lyons blames elected officials for rhetoric that endangers officers. The hearing follows recent scrutiny after two protesters were shot and killed by Homeland Security officers in Minneapolis. Democrats are criticizing the administration's immigration policies, while officials argue their actions make the country safer. The hearing marks the first time these leaders have appeared in Congress since receiving increased funding.

Democrats are threatening to block funding for the Homeland Security Department when it expires in two weeks unless there are "dramatic changes" and "real accountability" for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other law enforcement agencies who are carrying out President Donald Trump's campaign of federal immigration enforcement. Congress is discussing potential new rules for ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection after officers shot and killed two Minneapolis protesters in January. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries reiterated their party's demands on Wednesday, with Schumer telling reporters that Congress must "rein in ICE in very serious ways, and end the violence."

An appeals court has suspended a decision that restricts the aggressive tactics of immigration officers in Minnesota. The government persuaded the appeals court to freeze a judge's ruling that bars officers from using tear gas and taking other steps against peaceful protesters in Minnesota's Twin Cities. The stay is in effect while the government appeals. Meanwhile, an official in Maine turned down a request for more undercover license plates for U.S. Customs and Border Protection vehicles. The Maine secretary of state cited "abuses of power" during the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.

Officials say many federal officers involved in immigration enforcement in Chicago have body cameras, but expanding their use requires more funding from Congress. The issue was discussed at a hearing Monday about the tactics used in the Trump administration's crackdown in Chicago, which has led to over 1,000 arrests. U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis has ordered agents to wear cameras during arrests and searches. Officials testified about the operation and complaints of aggressive tactics. The hearing is part of a lawsuit by news organizations and community groups. The government denies any wrongdoing, saying officers have faced attacks while enforcing federal law.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement plans to hire 10,000 employees over five years, echoing a Border Patrol expansion in the 2000s. Pressure to increase hiring can lead to lowered hiring standards along with more attrition, misconduct, and corruption. When the Border Patrol rapidly expanded, arrests for employee misconduct at its parent agency increased to 336 in the 2012 fiscal year from 190 seven years earlier. ICE's expansion follows a bill signed by President Trump, allocating $76.5 billion for detention, hiring, and other uses. Competition for qualified applicants remains stiff, with law enforcement agencies offering large signing bonuses to attract talent.