U.S. Government Shutdown Drags On as Speaker Johnson Blames Democrats Over Immigration Dispute

By Otobong Gabriel,  Abuja 

The partial shutdown of the United States government shows no sign of ending quickly after House Speaker Mike Johnson made it clear that lawmakers will not be rushing into a vote to restore full funding.

Speaking over the weekend, Johnson said the House needs more time to resolve disagreements surrounding immigration enforcement, accusing Democrats of holding up progress with demands tied to changes in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). 

His remarks suggest the standoff in Washington could stretch on longer than many federal workers and citizens had hoped.

At the center of the dispute is how the government should fund the Department of Homeland Security and whether new rules should be placed on ICE operations.

 While Republicans want to move forward with a temporary funding plan to reopen government offices, Democrats are pushing for stricter oversight and reforms, arguing that immigration agents must operate with greater accountability and transparency.

Johnson insists that the delay is not political maneuvering but a matter of process. According to him, lawmakers need time to negotiate a deal that aligns with Republican priorities and the broader immigration strategy of the administration. 

However, Democrats say they will not support any funding bill that does not include meaningful protections for civil rights and limits on enforcement practices.

The result is a stalemate that is already affecting government services.

Several federal departments have scaled back operations, and thousands of government employees face uncertainty about their pay. 

While essential services such as national security and emergency response remain active, many administrative functions have slowed or stopped altogether. From delayed public services to shuttered offices, the impact of the shutdown is beginning to ripple across the country.

This latest budget fight highlights a familiar pattern in Washington, where routine funding bills often become battlegrounds for larger political issues. Immigration, in particular, has remained one of the most divisive topics between both parties, making compromise difficult.

For now, there is no clear timeline for a resolution. Johnson has indicated that a vote may come later in the week, but only if both sides can reach common ground. Until then, millions of Americans — especially federal workers — are left waiting as negotiations continue behind closed doors.

If no agreement is reached soon, the shutdown could deepen its economic and social effects, adding pressure on lawmakers to strike a deal.