DHS faces funding deadline. And, courts fast-track Somali asylum seeker hearings

"The Department of Homeland Security's funding will run out on Friday after Democrats refused to approve the money without significant changes to immigration enforcement. As lawmakers search for a solution, a House committee will hear from top immigration officials about their enforcement practices across the U.S. If a deal is not reached, Congress will need to pass another stopgap bill to fund DHS, NPR's Barbara Sprunt tells Up First."

"The latest release of Epstein files threatens Britain's ruling government. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces calls for his resignation. He is not implicated in the Epstein files, but he appointed someone who is. The calls for Starmer's resignation are due to his decision to make Peter Mandelson the ambassador to Washington, NPR's Lauren Frayer says. Mandelson faces police investigation for allegedly passing sensitive U.K. government details to Jeffrey Epstein. Mandelson denies any wrongdoing."

"Democrats face an uphill battle with their demands for officers to display identifying information like their last name and a ban on face masks. Many Republicans view these requests as nonstarters. Sprunt says she is watching how GOP lawmakers question top immigration officials today. While they largely back President Trump's enforcement actions, Republicans have to navigate new polling that shows a majority of Americans believe those same tactics have gone too far."

DHS funding will lapse Friday after Democrats declined to approve funds without major changes to immigration enforcement. A House committee will question top immigration officials about enforcement practices nationwide. Senate Majority Leader John Thune is preparing a short-term funding bill as a backup. Democrats demand officers display identifying information and ban face masks, proposals many Republicans consider nonstarters. Polling shows a majority of Americans believe enforcement tactics have gone too far. Released Epstein files have prompted calls for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's resignation over his appointment of Peter Mandelson, who faces police investigation for allegedly passing sensitive government details to Jeffrey Epstein; Mandelson denies wrongdoing. Police also are investigating former Prince Andrew for possible leaks.

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