MAGA Mike’s Disappearing Act: Johnson Flees as Shutdown Looms
Speaker Mike Johnson has sent the House into recess until February 2nd—just as Senate Democrats unite to block ICE funding and a shutdown deadline approaches Friday at midnight.
The Setup
Last Thursday (Jan 22), the House narrowly passed a $1.2 trillion appropriations package including DHS funding. Seven Democrats crossed over to pass the controversial ICE funding bill 220-207. Johnson then immediately sent the House home for a week-long recess.
Then on Saturday, ICE agents fatally shot Alex Jeffrey Pretti in Minneapolis—the second killing by federal immigration agents in that city this month, following the January 7th shooting of Renee Good.
The Senate Standoff
Senate Democrats held a strategy call Sunday. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s message: “restrain, reform and restrict ICE.”
From Schumer’s statement:
“Senate Democrats will not allow the current DHS funding bill to move forward... The appalling murders of Renee Good and Alex Pretti on the streets of Minneapolis must lead Republicans to join Democrats in overhauling ICE and CBP to protect the public.”
Key Democrats opposing the bill now include:
Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN): “No, I am not voting for this funding. Our Republican colleagues have to stand up and stop this.”
Sen. Angus King (I-ME): “I can’t vote for a bill that includes ICE funding under these circumstances.”
Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) have both announced opposition
Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), top Democrat on Appropriations, opposes the package with DHS funding included
The package needs 60 votes to advance. Without at least 7 Democrats, it fails.
The Procedural Trap
Here’s the problem Johnson created:
If the Senate makes any changes to the appropriations package—such as stripping out DHS funding to pass the rest—the revised bill must return to the House for approval. But there’s no House in session. Johnson has everyone home until February 2nd.
From NPR (published today):
“Even if Democrats could convince Republicans to agree to separate DHS funding from the rest, that would mean the legislation needs approval again in the House, which is on recess until Feb. 2. It is unlikely that House Speaker Mike Johnson would call members back to Washington early, increasing the risk of a partial shutdown.”
A massive winter storm has also delayed the Senate’s return from Monday to Tuesday, compressing an already tight timeline.
Republicans Breaking Ranks
Even Republicans are demanding answers:
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK): “The killing of Alex Pretti, a US citizen by ICE agents should raise serious questions... Lawfully carrying a firearm does not justify federal agents killing an American, especially as video footage appears to show after the victim had been disarmed.”
Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA): “The events in Minneapolis are incredibly disturbing. The credibility of ICE and DHS are at stake. There must be a full joint federal and state investigation.”
Rep. Michael Baumgartner (R-WA): “I’m disturbed what I’ve seen from the video from Minnesota.”
An anonymous House Republican told Politico: “Many of us wonder if the administration has any clue as to how much this will hurt us legislatively and electorally this year.”
Johnson’s Silence
While all of this unfolds, Johnson has made no public statement about the Minneapolis killings. His last social media post (as of the Meidas Touch report) was about hosting a family friend at the Capitol—48 hours before vanishing from Washington.
This is the same playbook from last fall’s record 43-day government shutdown, when Johnson kept the House in extended recess to avoid a vote on the Epstein files.
What Happens Now
Friday, January 30 at midnight: Funding expires for DHS, Defense, HHS, Labor, HUD, Transportation, Education, and other agencies
Senate votes expected Wednesday-Thursday: But without 60 votes, the package fails
House returns February 2: Two days after the shutdown begins
Senate Republicans say they won’t strip DHS funding from the package. Senate Democrats say they won’t vote for it with DHS funding included.
Johnson could call the House back early. He almost certainly won’t.
Another shutdown manufactured by MAGA governance.
Sources:
NPR: “Senate Democrats to vote against DHS funding” (Jan 26, 2026)
NBC News: “DHS standoff deepens ahead of government shutdown deadline” (Jan 26, 2026)
CNBC: “Shutdown odds grow as Senate Republicans say they won’t remove DHS funding” (Jan 25, 2026)
MSNBC: “Senate Democrats come out against DHS funding after Minnesota shooting” (Jan 26, 2026)
The Hill: “House passes final government funding bills for 2026” (Jan 23, 2026)
NBC News: “House passes sprawling spending package as Democrats split over ICE funding” (Jan 22, 2026)
The Hill: “Republicans divided on ICE tactics as shutdown looms” (Jan 26, 2026)
The non-"speaker" does his human speed bump routine once again.