The White House has rejected the latest funding proposal put forward by congressional Democrats as a partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security continues, deepening a standoff over border security and federal spending.

Administration officials said the Democratic plan does not adequately support border enforcement measures that President Donald Trump has identified as essential to national security.

They argued that any short-term funding extension must include stronger operational resources and policy commitments tied to immigration control.

The lapse in funding has affected segments of the Department of Homeland Security, placing thousands of employees on furlough or requiring them to work without immediate pay.

Core security functions — including border patrol operations, airport screening and emergency response — are continuing, though officials warn that prolonged uncertainty could strain personnel and logistics.

Democratic lawmakers have maintained that their proposal would temporarily restore funding while broader negotiations continue.

They have expressed concern about the impact of the shutdown on federal workers and contractors, urging the administration to decouple funding from policy disputes.

The White House, however, has framed the disagreement as part of a larger effort to secure lasting border reforms.

President Trump has consistently emphasized enforcement, infrastructure and operational readiness as non-negotiable components of homeland security policy.

Officials said the administration remains open to discussions but insists that any agreement must reflect those priorities.

Budget analysts note that shutdown dynamics often hinge on competing legislative leverage, with both sides seeking concessions before advancing a continuing resolution or broader appropriations bill.

The current impasse reflects long-standing differences over immigration policy and federal spending levels.

As negotiations continue on Capitol Hill, federal agencies are preparing contingency plans should the funding gap persist.

Administration representatives indicated that talks remain active, though no immediate breakthrough has been announced.

The outcome will likely shape not only the immediate operations of the Department of Homeland Security but also the tone of broader budget negotiations in the weeks ahead.