The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) entered a partial shutdown Saturday as U.S. lawmakers remain deadlocked over funding for the agency at the center of President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement agenda.
The funding lapse could force thousands of federal employees — including airport security officers and disaster response workers — to work without pay or face furlough until Congress reaches an agreement.
Dispute centers on immigration enforcement
At the heart of the standoff is the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), whose operations have drawn fierce criticism following recent raids and protests in Minneapolis.
Democratic lawmakers are withholding support for new DHS funding unless significant reforms are introduced. Their demands include:
Reduced enforcement patrols
A ban on agents wearing face masks during operations
Mandatory judicial warrants before entering private property
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries accused Republicans of refusing to reform ICE operations, saying “dramatic changes are needed.”
The White House, however, blamed Democrats for the impasse.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the opposition was pushing the government toward shutdown for partisan reasons.
ICE operations continue despite shutdown
While DHS faces funding disruptions, ICE will continue operating using funds approved in last year’s spending bill.
Senator John Fetterman noted the shutdown would have little effect on ICE itself, with the primary impact falling on other agencies such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which coordinates responses to natural disasters.
The Transportation Security Administration warned that a prolonged shutdown could lead to longer airport wait times and flight cancellations.
Third shutdown of Trump’s second term
If prolonged, the shutdown would mark the third during Trump’s second term, following a record 43-day closure late last year and another brief shutdown earlier this month.
Although all 53 Republican senators may support the funding measure, Senate rules require 60 votes to advance the bill meaning bipartisan backing is necessary.
John Thune described the White House’s negotiation offer as serious but cautioned Democrats would not secure all their demands.
Negotiations remain stalled
Some concessions have already been made amid public outcry over civilian deaths during federal operations in Minneapolis.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced agents would begin wearing body cameras in the city, with plans to expand the policy nationwide.
Despite ongoing discussions, talks between the White House and Democrats remain at a standstill, leaving DHS operations partially suspended and uncertainty looming for federal workers and travelers alike.
