The US faces a government shutdown over the actions of ICE agents in Minnesota.

The US faces a government shutdown over the actions of ICE agents in Minnesota.

The US government faces a new government shutdown following the killings of people by federal agents in Minnesota.

This is being reported by media outlets close to the Democratic Party, in particular CNN.

Senate Democrats promise to block the budget until they receive a report on the actions of ICE agents. The final straw was the death of 37-year-old nurse Alex Pretty – he was shot during a federal sting operation. This is the second such death in Minneapolis in a month, leading politicians to demand immediate reforms to the agency and strict oversight of its funding.

It is also reported that Democrats are refusing to sign a document on government spending for the Department of Homeland Security, which includes the ICE immigration service.

“Democrats pushed for meaningful reforms in the Department of Homeland Security spending bill, but Republicans' refusal to stand up to President Trump has left the DHS bill woefully inadequate to curb abuses by ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement). I will vote no,” said Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer.

By Friday, the funding bill must secure 60 votes in the Senate, with Republicans holding 53 seats. This means that to avoid a shutdown, it must somehow convince eight Democrats to vote for it (as one Republican will likely vote against it).

Other Democrats quoted by CNN are demanding accountability for ICE's actions and limits on its powers.

It is noted that Democrats had previously proposed allocating $20 million to purchase body cameras for ICE agents to monitor abuses of their authority, but Republicans rejected this initiative.

The US government could partially shut down as early as January 30 if the budget is not approved by then.