A partial shutdown of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) began Saturday after Congress failed to pass a new funding bill, placing thousands of federal workers in limbo amid a partisan dispute over immigration enforcement.
The lapse in funding affects agencies including airport security (TSA) and disaster response (FEMA), forcing some employees to work without pay and others to be furloughed. However, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency will continue operating using previously allocated funds, limiting the immediate impact on its enforcement activities.
The budget stalemate centers on Democratic demands for reforms to ICE operations following the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by federal agents during raids in Minneapolis last month. Lawmakers have called for restrictions on ICE patrols, a prohibition on agents wearing facial coverings during operations, and a requirement for judicial warrants to enter private properties. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated Republicans show “zero interest in getting ICE under control,” accusing them of choosing a shutdown over negotiations.
The White House has rejected these conditions as a non-starter. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt blamed Democrats for the shutdown, calling it a partisan move. While the administration expressed willingness to discuss policy changes, Senate Majority Leader John Thune described Democratic demands as an unrealistic “wish list” unlikely to gain full approval.
A key hurdle is the Senate’s 60-vote threshold to advance most legislation. With all 53 Republican senators expected to support a clean funding bill, at least seven Democrats would need to join them—a prospect dimmed by the current impasse.
Some limited concessions emerged after the Minneapolis incidents. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced ICE agents would immediately begin using body cameras in that city, with plans for national expansion.
The shutdown marks the third during President Donald Trump’s second term, following a 43-day closure last fall and a four-day partial shutdown earlier this month, both tied to DHS funding. A prolonged standoff could disrupt travel through TSA checkpoints and hamper FEMA’s disaster readiness as the Atlantic hurricane season approaches.
The Senate has recessed for a week but could be recalled if negotiations progress. For now, talks between the White House and Democratic leaders remain stalled, with no clear path to resolving the third partial government shutdown in six months.
