Inside the immigration deal Democrats cut to avoid a shutdown

Summary

Podcast Summary

Podcast: Apple News Today
Host: Shemitah Basu
Episode: Inside the immigration deal Democrats cut to avoid a shutdown
Date: January 30, 2026

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Overview

This episode unpacks the recent bipartisan deal in Congress that narrowly avoids a government shutdown, centering on Democratic demands for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reform. The show also explores Trump’s escalating stance toward Iran, a Washington Post investigation into deadly protests in Iran, new tax law changes, and a feel-good story about a record-setting Atlantic row. Host Shemitah Basu brings in expert voices including Atlantic writer Caitlin Dickerson and Washington Post’s Yeganet Torbati.

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The Government Shutdown: How a Deal Was Struck

Key Points:

• The U.S. government narrowly escapes a shutdown after Senate Republicans and Democrats compromise.
• Most government agencies are funded for the year; however, funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees ICE, is only extended by a couple of weeks.
• This sets the stage for protracted negotiations over ICE reforms, as demanded by Senate Democrats.

Democrats’ Demands for ICE Reform:

• Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer outlines the top three priorities:

  1. End Roving Patrols:
  “We want to end roving patrols. We need to tighten the rules governing the use of warrants and require ICE's coordination with state and local law enforcement.” (Chuck Schumer, 01:21)

  2. Accountability:
  “There needs to be a uniform code of conduct and accountability.” (Chuck Schumer, 01:40)

  3. Transparency in Enforcement:
  “Federal agents must be prohibited from wearing masks. These are common sense reforms, ones that Americans know and expect from law enforcement.” (Chuck Schumer, 01:45)

• Polls show declining public support for ICE operations, while some Republicans also voice concerns about DHS leadership.

What’s Next:

• House isn’t back in session until Monday, so a brief lapse in government funding is still possible.
• House Speaker Mike Johnson opposes Democratic demands; negotiations will continue amid intense public scrutiny.

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ICE Funding and Accountability: Analysis with Caitlin Dickerson

Context & Concerns:

• Under the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” in Trump's second term, ICE receives record funding without many typical oversight measures.

  Quote:
  “ICE is now the highest funded federal law enforcement agency in the country, thanks to the one big beautiful bill act that President Trump ushered in and convinced Republicans in Congress to support last year.” (Caitlin Dickerson, 02:38)

• Previous appropriations had included requirements for Congress reporting, injury/use-of-force statistics, and repercussions for policy violations. The new act omits these safeguards.

  Quote:
  "It effectively handed ICE and other elements of the Department of Homeland Security blank checks with no rules attached." (Caitlin Dickerson, 03:18)

Potential Congressional Responses:

• Congress could demand a new appropriations bill with accountability measures.

• A more ambitious solution would require updating immigration law to redefine ICE’s mandate, particularly regarding who is being targeted for deportation.

  Quote:
  "I think the public is really coming to grips right now with… the misalignment we talked about between who Trump promised he was going to arrest and deport and who's actually being pursued." (Caitlin Dickerson, 03:56)

On-the-Ground Shifts:

• ICE presence is being reduced in some regions, with operational drawdowns in Minneapolis and Maine.

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U.S. and Iran: Protests and Geopolitics

Trump’s Warnings to Iran:

• President Trump increases military presence in the region and reiterates two key demands to Iran:

  1. Abandon nuclear ambitions.
  2. Stop killing protesters.

• Quote:
  “No nuclear and number two, stop killing protesters.” (Shemitah Basu relaying Trump’s demands, 05:12)

Washington Post Investigation: Iranian Crackdown

• Communication blackout in Iran lifts, revealing dramatic new details about protests and the government’s harsh response.

• Reporter Yeganet Torbati describes how worsening economic conditions have pushed even wealthier Iranians to join protests.

  Quote:
  "Economic pain in Iran has now reached such a point that even the relatively more well off classes are feeling it... so badly that they feel like they have to protest and shut down in order to try to enact any change." (Yeganet Torbati, 05:48)

• Focus on violent events in the city of Rasht:

  • Bazaar merchants shut their stores in conjunction with street protests.
  • Security forces respond with tear gas, live ammunition, fires, and direct threats to merchants.
  • Eyewitnesses recount rapid escalation and severe casualties.

  Quote:
  "We heard from two people that they had been pressured by security forces to reopen and that the merchants had refused… they would regret not listening to their orders." (Yeganet Torbati, 06:58)

  • Over 390 deaths documented in a single night; many families lose their livelihoods.

  Quote:
  “These bazaar market owners, all of their goods, their savings… investment of their entire lives is in these stores. And… that just disappeared that night.” (Yeganet Torbati, 08:10)

• Despite resentment and unrest, U.S. intelligence indicates Iranian leadership remains united, and concerns linger about potential negative effects of U.S. military strikes.

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Major U.S. Tax Changes for 2025

New Provisions:

• Multiple big updates due to the latest tax and spending package:
  • Deduction for overtime pay (up to $12,500).
  • Enhanced deduction options for tip income.
  • Seniors receive a new $6,000 deduction.
  • Most Americans to expect smaller tax bills and bigger refunds.

Caveats:

• Many provisions require proactive steps; employers aren’t required to report all needed info on W-2s.

• Taxpayers must consult IRS resources to claim new benefits.

  Quote:
  “There's just a lot of work that the individual taxpayer is going to have to do this year for 2025 to make sure that they're getting the deductions they deserve.” (Ashley Ebling, 09:59)

• Child tax credit increased to $2,200 per child, up from $2,000.

  Quote:
  "If you have a qualifying child… Instead of the $2,000 tax credit, you'll get a $2,200 tax credit. And that's dollar-for-dollar." (Ashley Ebling, 10:30)

Filing Tips:

• IRS “Direct File” service discontinued, but free tax prep is still available for most Americans earning under $89,000.

• Visit IRS.gov and search for free filing partners.

  Quote:
  “Generally for people who make under $89,000 of income, people can use these free tax prep services…” (Ashley Ebling, 11:06)

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Brief Headlines and Human Stories

• Failed Prison Break:
  Man impersonates FBI agent in a bizarre, failed jailbreak attempt in Brooklyn (with a barbecue fork and pizza cutter). (11:32)

• American Life Expectancy Up:
  Recent data shows life expectancy for Americans born in 2024 is at least 79 years, a climb from pandemic lows, though still lagging global peers. (12:32)

• Atlantic Rowing Feat:
  25-year-old Taryn Smith, inspired by an article, rows solo across the Atlantic from Spain to Antigua in 46 days—despite having no prior rowing experience.

  Quote:
  “This morning I had what will be the highlight of the entire crossing. I saw a whale. So it was sunrise... a whale jumped out of the water, was fully vertical and then fell back into the ocean.” (Ashley Ebling relaying Smith's words, 13:57)

  • After finishing, Smith says she "had never felt less alone in her entire life." (14:13)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Chuck Schumer on ICE reforms:
  “Americans support law enforcement and secure borders, but they do not support a federal agency that routinely operates above the law.” (00:12)
• Caitlin Dickerson on DHS funding:
  “It effectively handed ICE and other elements of the Department of Homeland Security blank checks with no rules attached.” (03:18)
• Yeganet Torbati on Iranian protests:
  "Economic pain in Iran has now reached such a point that even the relatively more well off classes are feeling it..." (05:48)
• Ashley Ebling on tax changes:
  "There's just a lot of work that the individual taxpayer is going to have to do this year for 2025 to make sure that they're getting the deductions they deserve." (09:59)
• Taryn Smith’s rowing victory:
  “I saw a whale. So it was sunrise... a whale jumped out of the water, was fully vertical and then fell back into the ocean.” (13:57)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:04: Democratic revolt over DHS funding and government shutdown avoidance
• 01:21: Chuck Schumer details Democratic demands on ICE reform
• 02:38: Caitlin Dickerson on ICE’s new budget and lack of accountability
• 03:44: Discussing Congressional options for ICE oversight
• 05:12: Trump’s warnings to Iran
• 05:48: Washington Post’s account of Iranian protests and crackdown
• 08:20: The aftermath of the bazaar fire in Rasht
• 09:30: Big changes to the U.S. tax code, explained
• 10:30: Increase in the child tax credit
• 11:06: Advice for taxpayers on free filing options
• 13:57: Inspirational story of Taryn Smith’s Atlantic row

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Tone and Style

The episode blends factual reporting with informed analysis and personal stories. Shemitah Basu facilitates expert commentary while maintaining a brisk, engaging style suitable for a morning news roundup.

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This summary distills all key content and quotes from the episode, offering a comprehensive and accessible guide for those who missed the broadcast.

Transcript

[Shemitah Basu]

Good morning. A government shutdown appears to have been avoided for now, at least, as Democrats force more debate on ICE funding.

[Chuck Schumer]

Americans support law enforcement and secure borders, but they do not support a federal agency that routinely operates above the law.

[Shemitah Basu]

Trump steps up his threats against Iran. The Washington Post walks us through their investigation of a major anti government protest there and the regime's violent crackdown. And your tax. Tax returns are changing in some big ways. The Wall Street Journal explains how it's Friday, January 30th. I'm Shemitah Basu. This is Apple News today. Ever since Alex Prady's death last week, speculation has mounted over whether a Democratic revolt over funding for the Department of Homeland Security might lead to a government shutdown. Well, last night, Senate Republicans and Democrats struck a deal to fund most of the big agencies like Defense and trans Transportation for the year ahead. But Republicans agree to their opponents demands to split DHS from the votes, instead funding it for a couple of weeks as a stopgap while they haggle over wider reforms to ice. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer laid out his party's demands on the floor.

[Chuck Schumer]

We want to end roving patrols. We need to tighten the rules governing the use of warrants and require ICE's coordination with state and local law enforcement. Second, we want to enforce accountability. There needs to be a uniform code of conduct and accountability. Third, we want masks off body cameras on federal agents must be prohibited from wearing masks. These are common sense reforms, ones that Americans know and expect from law enforcement.

[Shemitah Basu]

In the days ahead. A short government funding lapse is still expected as the House isn't back in session to approve it until Monday. Beyond that, the Democrats devil will be in the details of what's to come. And House Speaker Mike Johnson has already said he's not backing those demands. But the deal struck yesterday marks a partial win for the Democrats. Polls suggest larger numbers of the public turning against ICE operations, while some senior Republicans have been speaking out against DHS leadership. That all sets up a challenging backdrop for Republicans in the negotiations to come. But even if they reach some kind of agreement on structural change, it's undeniable that DHS has been handed huge transformative sums of money in Trump's second term.

[Caitlin Dickerson]

ICE is now the highest funded federal law enforcement agency in the country, thanks to the one big beautiful bill act that President Trump ushered in and convinced Republicans in Congress to support last year.

[Shemitah Basu]

That's Caitlin Dickerson, a staff writer at the Atlantic and my guest on Apple News. In conversation this week, she explained that the massive paycheck in that piece of legislation didn't really come with many stipulations.

[Caitlin Dickerson]

So typically when ICE received its appropriations money, you would see lots of requirements in there. Things like reporting requirements, you know, reporting to Congress how many people were injured and use of force incidents how many people were killed. And you can even see in appropriations bills recourse, you know, repercussions for people who violate policy in ways that result in harm. I was amazed when I read the one big beautiful bill act that there was nothing of the sort included. It effectively handed ICE and other elements of the Department of Homeland Security blank checks with no rules attached.

[Shemitah Basu]

I asked Dickerson what the role of Congress could look like now in terms of addressing accountability for ICE longer term.

[Caitlin Dickerson]

So a new appropriations bill would make a big change, I think a taller order. But another thing that Congress could do is update the immigration law itself, right, to change who ICE is pursuing in the first place. So I think the public is really coming to grips right now with the that misalignment we talked about between who Trump promised he was going to arrest in deport and who's actually being pursued. And even before these violent and deadly incidents, the public was turning away from support for this policy as it became clear who was actually being deported. Congress also has the ability to control that.

[Shemitah Basu]

Meanwhile, the situation on the ground in Minnesota and elsewhere appears to be shifting too. Trump's border czar Tom Homan said yesterday he was working on a plan to draw down the number of agents in Minneapolis. And an ICE surge in Maine has ceased operations too. President Trump appears to be stepping up his threats against Iran. He sent another aircraft carrier to the region, adding to a number of naval ships and fighter jets within striking distance. In his words, a massive armada. Yesterday he said he'd been speaking to Iranian officials in recent days about his demands.

[Chuck Schumer]

Well, I told him two things.

[Shemitah Basu]

Number one, no nuclear and number two, stop killing protesters.

[Ashley Ebling]

They're killing them by the thousands.

[Shemitah Basu]

For many Iranians, their phone and Internet calls are only just starting to trickle out of the country after weeks of communication blackout imposed by the government government. So we're only just now getting more detailed accounts of the scale of the protests that have taken place and the violent response from the regime. Yeganet Torbati from the Washington Post told us these demonstrations hit a new pitch and included different demographics than anti government protests in the past.

[Yeganet Torbati]

What this round of protests really showed us is that economic pain in Iran has now reached such a point that even the relatively more well off classes are feeling it and feeling it so badly that they feel like they have to protest and shut down in order to try to enact any change.

[Shemitah Basu]

Demonstrations across the country have mostly subsided for now, but only after a crackdown that left thousands dead. Torbati and her colleagues investigated deadly clashes in a town called Rasht, about 200 miles northwest of Tehran, known for its open air market. They looked at more than 40 photos and videos and gathered accounts from witnesses. Video verified by the Post showed protesters marching through the bazaar on January 7th. They're chanting, don't be afraid, don't be afraid. We are all in this together. This was the day before the communication blackout began. By the next day, in solidarity with protesters, shop owners in Rash's well known bazaar closed their stores, angering the military. One resident said commerce in the city had effectively shut.

[Yeganet Torbati]

We heard from two people that they had been pressured by security forces to reopen and that the merchants had refused. And one person told us that they received a warning that they had heard that the merchants had received a warning from security forces that they would regret not listening to their orders.

[Shemitah Basu]

On the evening of January 8, hundreds of protesters marched toward the bazaar, which is close to where Rash's government is headquartered.

[Yeganet Torbati]

And so as people were approaching the bazaar on this march, they were attacked by security forces, first with tear gas and then with ammunition.

[Shemitah Basu]

In another recording verified by the Post, you hear gunshots. The person filming is heard there saying, We've seen nearly eight or 10 people killed or injured in the last five minutes. They just shot a young person. At some point the bazaar caught fire. The Post reports it wasn't immediately clear how and it spread rapidly. Images of smoldering debris and burnt out shops surfaced. The next day, a US based human rights group documented 392 deaths.

[Yeganet Torbati]

These bazaar market owners, all of their goods, their savings, like their investment of their entire lives is in these stores. And you know, for many of them, that just disappeared that night.

[Shemitah Basu]

Torbati described that night in Rash to us as a historically lethal response by the state. A news agency associated with the government claimed that anti regime protesters attacked the bazaar and also blamed the US and Israel for demonstrations. The conditions for unrest remain and the aggressive response has only increased resentment toward the regime among many Iranians. But according to Reuters, multiple U.S. intelligence reports and insider briefings suggest that there have not yet been major fractures inside the leadership. And some worry targeted US strikes would only weaken a protest movement that's already reeling from deadly crackdowns. It's tax season and while the deadline might be a ways away, there have been quite a few big changes since last year's major tax and spending package from Republicans that are worth knowing about. Ashley Ebling is a reporter at the Wall Street Journal who walked us through what you can expect.

[Ashley Ebling]

There are all these new provisions that no one's ever seen before. There are new provisions for overtime pay for tip income. Senior taxpayers get a new $6,000 deduction. The tricky thing is just because these new provisions are there doesn't automatically mean you're going to get them take overtime.

[Shemitah Basu]

The Journal says that you might qualify for a deduction of as much as $12,500 for a portion of your over, but you might have to do some legwork to figure that out.

[Ashley Ebling]

So the important thing is it's the fine print is all on the IRS website. Your employer might not provide that information on your W2 this year. They're not required to. They might give you extra information to help you figure it out. And it's the same for tips. There's just a lot of work that the individual taxpayer is going to have to do this year for 2025 to make sure that they're getting the deductions they deserve.

[Shemitah Basu]

For parents, they can expect a boost in the maximum child tax credit that they get per kid.

[Ashley Ebling]

That's one that's actually kind of an easy automatic one. If you have a qualifying child Instead of the 2000 tax credit, you'll get a $2200 tax credit. And that's dollar for dollar that reduces your tax liability. So that's way more powerful than a deduction.

[Shemitah Basu]

Broadly speaking, the Journal says that most Americans can expect a smaller tax bill and bigger refund. And there's one other tip for filers out there that we want to flag. Direct File, which was a free service from the IRS for tax preparation under the Biden administration, has been phased out. But Ebling said that doesn't mean you need to spend a fortune to get your taxes done.

[Ashley Ebling]

There are all these people who could be filing for free who don't know that they could file for free. These are like taxpayer services where you can go in or you can go online. And generally for people who make under $89,000 of income, people can use these free tax prep services. The best way to find them, if you go to the IRS.gov website and say you do file my taxes for free, and then it'll send you right to these trusted partners.

[Shemitah Basu]

We'll link to the Journal's article in our Show Notes so you can see some of those resources. And finally A few other stories we're following A man posing as an FBI agent unsuccessfully tried to break Luigi Mangione out of the Brooklyn jail where he's currently detained. The man showed up to the facility with a barbecue fork and a pizza cutter and claimed he had a court order to free Mangione. Officials say the man presented his driver's license when asked for credentials and told authorities he had weapons in his bag. He was arrested and now faces federal charges for impersonating an FBI agent. Mangione is currently being held at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention center as he awaits trial for the killing of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson In 2024 we are living longer than ever According to new research, data shows the average American born in 2024 is now expected to live to at least 79 years old, half a year longer than in 2023. It comes after Covid and a surge in overdose deaths helped bring down life expectancy to 76.4 years in 2021. But the new figures are less impressive when you compare globally. The UN says life expectancy in most other developed countries was in the low to mid-80s in 2024. An expert from the University of Maryland told Scientific American there are still critical problems with Americans health profiles and healthcare is moving in the wrong direction as more people are losing. And finally, has an article you've seen ever inspired a major life change? Maybe this one will 25 year old Taryn Smith was working in HR in 2022 when she read about an all female team that had rode from San Francisco to Hawaii. She couldn't get it out of her head and she decided she would like to row across the Atlantic solo. This despite her never having rode in her life. People magazine reports that she spent the next two years training, which involved seven weeks living in her boat to prepare for the physical and mental demands. She traveled 3,000 miles from Spain to Antigua, arriving yesterday chronicling the journey on Instagram.

[Ashley Ebling]

This morning I had what will be the highlight of the entire crossing. I saw a whale. So it was sunrise, the sky was pink, there were clouds everywhere. A whale jumped out of the water, was fully vertical and then fell back into the ocean.

[Shemitah Basu]

The trip took her 46 days. After making it to shore, she posted a video to say she had never felt less alone in her entire life. You can find all these stories and more in the Apple News app. And if you're already listening in the News app right now, stick around for my entire chat with Caitlin Dickerson of the Atlantic on this week's Apple News in conversation. We have that lined up to play for you next. Enjoy the weekend, and we'll be back with the news on Monday.