Reporter's Notebook: GOP eyes DHS deal funding ICE probes, but not removals, as shutdown drags

However, Fox is told that the Senate could start to move forward on a plan to end the DHS shutdown "as early as tonight."

The new plan would fund ICE investigations - like cartels, traffickers and child predators. But they will leave unfunded programs for "enforcement and removal."

Ironically, this idea would mirror what Democrats have tried to do on multiple occasions. Democrats have asked unanimous consent on the floor to pass bills to fund DHS - sans ICE.

So, Republicans have come around to the position that this is the only way out of this cul-de-sac - even if it reflects the Democratic position.

Still, Republicans contend they are "calling the Democrats bluff."

"We're going to have to move forward and give them what they want," said one Senate Republican source, referring to the Democrats.

Now the question is what Republicans can do with the SAVE America Act.

Fox is told that Republicans hope to extract a promise from Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, to come off the SAVE America Act - and resume that debate after the Easter/Passover recess.

But that bill lacks the votes to pass.

It is possible Republicans could fund the enforcement and removal programs at ICE under budget reconciliation. But portions of the SAVE America Act are dicey. Fox is told that Republicans could try to focus on the "money" aspects of the SAVE America Act - such as withholding dollars from states which don't require photo ID, et al. But getting those provisions past the Senate umpire, Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough, is challenging. MacDonough could rule out of order policy provisions pertaining to the SAVE America Act in a reconciliation measure.