Jan 29, 2026 - Politics & Policy

Mike Johnson braces for conservative revolt over ICE funding deal

Man with gray-streaked hair wearing glasses, navy blue suit, white shirt, and red-striped tie indoors with blurred people and bright lighting in the background. — Speaker Johnson at the Capitol on Jan. 13. Photo: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

As the Senate prepares to kick government funding back to the House, Speaker Mike Johnson is staring down another revolt from his right flank.

Why it matters: While removing Department of Homeland Security funding from the overall package was not Johnson's (R-La.) preferred approach, most members want to avoid a government shutdown.

But on top of a lengthy list of demands from Democrats around ICE, expect an even longer one from the House Freedom Caucus, centering on sanctuary cities, immigration enforcement and border security.

What's next: Conservatives would need to vote for a rule — a party-line procedural vote — to advance the bill. And President Trump's urging everyone to help it pass.

But House Freedom Caucus members have repeatedly shown a willingness to tank or threaten rules, using them as leverage to extract concessions from leadership.
If it's clear Johnson won't be able to muscle the rule through, the speaker could bring it up under suspension, but that would require significant backing from House Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.).
Predicted one House Democrat: "If Hakeem says he is backing it, [it] will give enough people cover."

For now, Johnson does not plan to call the House back into session over the weekend, citing attendance issues, a leadership source told Axios.

The bottom line: "We may inevitably be in a short shutdown situation," Johnson told USA Today on Thursday at the "Melania" premiere. "But the House is going to do its job."

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Mike Johnson braces for conservative revolt over ICE funding deal

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