DHS Shutdown Hits as Congress Recesses Over Funding Fight

The Department of Homeland Security shut down parts of its operations at midnight Saturday after Congress failed to extend funding. This partial shutdown affects more than 260,000 workers across agencies like TSA, FEMA, and the Coast Guard. It stems from a dispute between Republicans and Democrats over limits on immigration enforcement, with lawmakers now on recess until February 23.

Background

Funding for DHS ran out because Senate Democrats blocked a short-term extension of the agency's budget. The House had passed a full-year funding bill with support from both parties earlier this month. But Senate Democrats wanted time to negotiate changes to how immigration agents operate, especially after the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis last month.

This is the third shutdown during President Trump's second term. The last one in October and November 2025 lasted 43 days, the longest in U.S. history. Back then, it hit DHS hard, slowing disaster response and straining airport security. DHS has about 22 agencies and over 250,000 employees who keep borders secure, respond to disasters, and protect against cyber threats.

President Trump agreed to pull DHS funding from a larger spending package to allow more talks. That package covered the rest of the federal government through September 30. So food aid, military pay, and most other programs keep going without interruption. But DHS stands alone in this fight.

Democrats point to rising tensions with immigration agents. They want rules like a code of conduct, requirements for officers to show ID, and body cameras. Republicans say these demands weaken security at a time when the country needs strong defenses for events like the World Cup, America 250 celebrations, and hurricane season.

Key Details

Agencies and Workers Affected

Most DHS workers are essential and must keep working, even without pay at first. About 8% could be furloughed, mainly non-essential staff. ICE and Customs and Border Protection have billions from a 2025 law, so their deportation and border work continues mostly unchanged.

TSA screens passengers at airports. Last year's shutdown saw workers call in sick due to missed paychecks. Lines grew long, and some checkpoints closed, like two at Philadelphia International Airport after a month. Senate Republican leader John Thune warned of similar travel headaches now.

FEMA handles disaster relief. The shutdown slows reimbursements to states for storm cleanup. Some staff will furlough, cutting coordination with local teams. Training at the National Disaster and Emergency Management University in Maryland stops.

The Secret Service and Coast Guard keep operating fully. Their people work without pay but get backpay later. FEMA, TSA, and cybersecurity teams face the biggest hits right away.

House hearings this week heard from ICE, CBP, USCIS, FEMA, TSA, CISA, and Coast Guard leaders. They all said a shutdown hurts coordination and raises security risks.

“A shutdown is not a strategy – even if Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats treat it like one. It is a setback for national security and for American families. TSA, Coast Guard, and Secret Service personnel will be forced to work without pay. FEMA disaster response will slow. Cyber defenses and counterterrorism efforts will weaken.” – House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK)

Paychecks come March 3. Congress returns February 23, leaving little time before some workers feel the pinch.

Political Stands

Republicans blame Senate Democrats for holding funding hostage. House Homeland Security Chairman Andrew R. Garbarino said another lapse could have lasting effects. Subcommittee Chairman Dale Strong called it a play for political points that hurts FEMA, TSA, and Coast Guard workers.

Democrats, led by figures like House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, call for reforms. They say changes are needed after the Minnesota shooting. On CBS's Face the Nation, Jeffries described the situation as unacceptable and un-American.

The White House tried talks but no deal came by Friday. Both sides dug in over the weekend.

What This Means

Travelers could see longer airport lines soon if TSA strains build. Airports might cut open lanes or close checkpoints to manage short staff. Millions head to events like the World Cup, so delays could spread wide.

Disaster prep takes a hit. FEMA slows help for winter storm recovery and braces for hurricanes. States wait longer for relief money, straining local budgets.

Cyber teams and counterterrorism slow down. Programs for child protection and trafficking victims lose support. Infrastructure guards weaken.

Workers bear the brunt. Many live paycheck to paycheck. Last shutdown saw families struggle with bills. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem noted last year that some, like Coast Guard, got paid through other funds.

Lawmakers have days to act. If no deal by March 3, missed pay hits home. The narrow focus on DHS limits broader pain, but frontline risks grow daily. House Republicans push their full-year bill. Senate talks center on immigration tweaks. Stalemate drags as recess ends.