DHS funding battle risks shutdown. And, Fed holds rates steady despite Trump pressure

"The Senate is expected to vote today on a $1.6 trillion six-bill package to fund the government. But Democrats say they will block the funding package, which includes money for the Department of Homeland Security, until there are major reforms to how immigration agents operate in the U.S. Without a deal, a partial government shutdown begins at the end of the day tomorrow."

"Yesterday, nearly 200 protesters demonstrated outside an ICE family detention center in South Texas to demand the release of 5-year-old Liam Ramos and his father. Authorities detained the father and son in Minnesota last week and transported them to the center. The demonstration led to a confrontation with police in riot gear. Police fired pepper balls to disperse the crowd during the confrontation, filling the air with white smoke."

"Democrats are pushing to pass the other five spending bills in the package, leaving out DHS while they negotiate terms, NPR's Claudia Grisales tells Up First. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer says his party wants tighter cooperation with local law enforcement, a uniform code of conduct and use-of-force rules, and an end to roving patrols. Republican leaders oppose splitting the funding package, arguing that the House would never pass any part of it again."

The Senate is scheduled to vote on a $1.6 trillion six-bill package to fund the government, with Democrats blocking Department of Homeland Security funding until major immigration enforcement reforms are agreed. Democrats seek tighter cooperation with local law enforcement, a uniform code of conduct and use-of-force rules, and an end to roving patrols. Republican leaders oppose splitting the package, warning that the House would likely reject partial bills. Without an agreement, a partial government shutdown would begin at the end of tomorrow and could cut funding for agencies such as Health and Human Services. Nearly 200 protesters gathered outside an ICE family detention center in South Texas seeking the release of a detained five-year-old and his father; police used pepper balls and demonstrators reported coughing and impaired visibility. Congressman Joaquin Castro and Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett visited the detention center and met with the child and his father.

Read at www.npr.org