Talks to avert a US government shutdown have intensified in Washington DC, with a deal reportedly edging closer—amid a political drama following the fatal shooting of a nurse by federal immigration agents.

Prompted by the death of 37-year-old Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, Democrats are pushing to remove funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from a $1.2tn spending bill unless additional oversight is added.

US media report that the White House and Senate Democratic leadership are nearing an agreement which would meet Democratic demands to introduce new restrictions on federal immigration agents.

That would mean five of the six spending bills could be passed before the Friday deadline while the DHS one would get a short-term extension to allow time for more discussion on the proposed new restrictions, like around the use of masks by agents.

If no deal is struck, the second shutdown within months will begin at one minute after midnight on Friday 30 January.

How likely is a government shutdown?

The spending bill has already passed in the House of Representatives but needs 60 Senate votes to advance.

Among the changes Democrats are seeking are requirements that federal agents obtain warrants before making arrests and clearer rules governing how they identify themselves, according to US media reports.

Earlier this week, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer indicated strong opposition to funding ICE without substantial reforms, emphasizing a united front among Senate Democrats against current policies.

Republican leaders have acknowledged the ongoing negotiations but seek to ensure that any changes do not trigger a government shutdown.

Implications of a Shutdown

The impact of a potential shutdown could be significant but is expected to be partial, affecting various government branches while others, such as the Department of Justice and the FBI, remain funded through the end of the fiscal year.

Employees classified as 'essential' would continue to work without pay, adding to the urgency of reaching an agreement.