The Brief Congress has not advanced a government funding measure ahead of a key deadline. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib)Why ICE is at the center of the disputeAt the heart of the standoff is funding for DHS agencies, including ICE and Customs and Border Protection, according to reporting by Politico. Republicans oppose tying policy changes to funding bills, arguing that DHS and ICE should be funded without conditions to avoid a shutdown. Without Senate agreement on DHS funding, lawmakers cannot move forward with the overall spending plan, increasing the risk that funding for other agencies could lapse. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)Why you should care:A government shutdown can disrupt services, affect federal workers and create uncertainty for agencies and contractors nationwide.