It is timely to end the current DHS government shutdown

 In my post of October 18, 2025, I wrote:

"Democrats could have refused to fund the government because the Trump administration is acting unconstitutionally, undermining separation of powers.  Democrats could have demanded that Adelita Grijalva be seated in the House (which Republicans are blocking to avoid release of the Epstein files), that President Trump get Congressional approval for military action in the Caribbean, etc.  

Instead, Democrats shut down the government because they don’t like a law that was legally passed.  That’s a terrible reason to shut down the government.  If you disagree about a law that passed, you close the government???  Consider the national and international ramifications.  If it is appropriate to shut down the government because you don't like a law that passed, our government could be shut down permanently. "

So, it may not come as much a surprise that I have supported the Democratic shutdown over ICE.  Defunding an executive branch to press for the discontinuation of unconstitutional behavior is appropriate.

However, the Trump administration has now signaled acceptance of most of the Democratic demands in several ways: Tom Homan replacing Greg Borvino, MarkWayne Mullin nominated to replace the now-fired Kristi Noem, Mullin's testimony as to the direction in which he intends to take teh agency, compromise negotiation stances by Republicans, and press reports of moderation throughout the administration.

The Democrats should now declare victory and end the shutdown of DHS.  The current risks due to the war with Iran underscore the wisdom of ending the shutdown now.