Reporter's Notebook: GOP eyes DHS deal funding ICE probes, but not removals, as shutdown drags

By Fox News · Fox News

This is cobbled together talking to senior Senate Republican sources. Senate Republicans are developing a plan to fund most aspects of DHS — leaving out controversial programs like certain ICE operations — to end the five-and-a-half week partial government shutdown. This emerged after a meeting at the White House last night. There is a lot to sort out at the GOP Conference luncheon at the Capitol today. However, Fox is told that the Senate could start to move forward on a plan to end the DHS shutdown "as early as tonight." SCHIFF, BOOKER DEFLECT ON SHUTDOWN BLAME AMID TERROR CONCERNS, THOUSANDS OF DHS WORKERS WITHOUT PAY The new plan would fund ICE investigations — like cartels, traffickers and child predators. But they will leave unfunded programs for "enforcement and removal." Ironically, this idea would mirror what Democrats have tried to do on multiple occasions. Democrats have asked unanimous consent on the floor to pass bills to fund DHS — sans ICE. So, Republicans have come around to the position that this is the only way out of this cul-de-sac — even if it reflects the Democratic position. Still, Republicans contend they are "calling the Democrats bluff." "We’re going to have to move forward and give them what they want," said one Senate Republican source, referring to the Democrats. THUNE REVEALS REASON DEMOCRATS ARE 'SCARED' TO REOPEN DHS But the question is whether Democrats will balk — especially since this was their idea. Regardless, this approach would still need Democratic buy-in and need 60 votes to clear a filibuster . Fox is told that this is NOT pre-baked with House Republicans. The House and Senate would have to sync up to end the shutdown. Lawmakers on both sides are increasingly freaked out about the possibility of a terrorist attack — to say nothing of watching lengthy lines at airports . Now the question is what Republicans can do with the SAVE America Act. SEN KENNEDY SAYS HE WOULD ACCEPT DEMOCRATS' OFFER TO 'OPEN UP EVERYTHING' BUT ICE Fox…