Heitkamp attends White House immigration meeting

During the meeting, Trump signaled an unexpected openness to broader immigration overhaul in comments that could signal a more sweeping change in months ahead. In a release sent after the meeting, Heitkamp focused her interests in North Dakota's own border security—notably mentioning unmanned aircraft technologies—and struck a sympathetic tone on young, undocumented immigrants.

"We must fix our country's immigration system, and there is a bipartisan agreement that those who were brought here as children should not shoulder the blame for inaction in Washington," she said. "(They) work in our businesses and are active members of our communities—and they help fill needed jobs and boost our local economies."

The release also touted Heitkamp's relationship with the president, including multiple meetings and appearances at events where Trump has signed a bill or executive order. Heitkamp is among the few Senate Democrats who stand to benefit from a friendly public relationship with Trump, as she faces a 2018 re-election battle in a state Trump won by a wide margin.

Heitkamp's appearance at the White House comes after Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., appeared at the White House last week to discuss trade policy.