Another Shutdown Coming? Why the Fight over Border Security Is Far from Over

WASHINGTON – The key reason for the 35-day government shutdown was the battle between President Donald Trump and Democrats over his pledge to secure funding for a border wall with Mexico. But while the shutdown is over – at least for now – the fight over border security will continue well into the future.

Trump and Congress have just three weeks to come up with some sort of border deal before the temporary government funding bill runs out. If they can't reach a deal by then, Trump says he will either allow the government to shut down again, or he'll declare a national emergency to enable him to build the wall without direct congressional funding for it.

Meanwhile, migrants like Manuel Ramirez continue to pour into the US seeking asylum. "We're fighting for a better future," he says.

Under US law, that future should begin at a port of entry. Border agents argue they are understaffed with holding areas at capacity, creating long lines and forcing some to wait for weeks to get in.

And not everyone comes to the US for a better life. The border has become a pipeline for illegal drugs, gangs and human trafficking, which is why Trump made building a border wall the backbone of his presidential campaign.

"I will never ever back down," then-candidate Trump told a crowd of supporters.

The border with Mexico is roughly 1,900 miles long spanning four states: California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. Trump recently visited the Lone Star State to see firsthand what he calls a "crisis."

"They say it's immoral," the president said, citing Democratic opposition to the wall. "What's immoral is all the killing that's taking place."

Aside from a $5 billion wall, Trump wants money for humanitarian aid, additional personnel and new drug-detection technology.

"Technology is great. It's always that added situational awareness, but we will always need boots on the ground," US Border Patrol Capt. Robert Rodriguez said.

While Democrats support more agents, they stop short of giving the president a dime for the wall.

"It embodies the president's temper tantrum: 'If you don't do it my way I am shutting down the government and hurting lots of people,'" said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (R-NY).

Trump did admit that Mexico won't be paying upfront for the wall but maintains the US-Mexico-Canada trade deal would cover the funding.

"Mexico is paying for the wall indirectly and when I said Mexico will pay for the wall in front of thousands of people, obviously they are not going to write a check," he said.