The Department of Homeland Security remains in a partial shutdown for the 18th day as Democrats continue to oppose a Republican-backed funding bill, despite GOP efforts to link the impasse to escalating tensions with Iran.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise criticized Democrats for what he called "political games" during the shutdown, arguing that the United States needs full DHS operations amid heightened security concerns related to Iran. Republicans have increased pressure on Democrats to support the funding measure, citing recent U.S. military actions against Iranian targets.

Democrats are actively opposing the DHS funding bill expected to reach the House floor this week. The White House and Democratic negotiators remain locked in an impasse over terms to reopen the department, with talks showing little progress in recent weeks according to sources familiar with the discussions.

Centrist Senate Democrats have shown little indication they will break ranks to support the current funding proposal, despite Republican arguments about national security priorities. The shutdown has affected various DHS operations while the political standoff continues.

The funding dispute comes as Republicans have highlighted recent immigration enforcement actions, including deportations that Democrats have criticized. The competing narratives reflect broader disagreements over DHS priorities and immigration policy that have complicated efforts to reach a compromise.

Neither party has indicated when they expect the standoff to be resolved, leaving uncertainty about when full DHS operations will resume.