A partial federal government shutdown is anticipated this weekend, impacting the Department of Homeland Security and its agencies like TSA, ICE, and CBP, as lawmakers clash over new restrictions on President Trump’s immigration enforcement policies. This standoff could lead to missed paychecks for essential workers and disruptions to services.
A partial federal government shutdown is expected this weekend as funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is set to expire. Lawmakers are in a deadlock over new restrictions on President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement agenda, with Democrats refusing to approve more funding without changes, particularly after the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti and Renee Good. Negotiations between the White House and Democrats failed, ensuring the funding lapse. Unlike the previous 43-day shutdown, this one will be narrowly confined to DHS agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Secret Service, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Most other federal programs and workers are funded until September 30. The vast majority of DHS employees, deemed 'essential,' will continue working without pay, raising concerns about financial stress and potential disruptions. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is particularly vulnerable, with 95% of its employees working unpaid, potentially leading to increased call-outs, longer airport security lines, or checkpoint closures, similar to issues seen in the last shutdown. FEMA's ability to reimburse states for disaster relief and coordinate with partners will also be hampered. While Democrats seek changes to ICE and CBP, Republicans point out that these agencies have substantial existing funding from a previous bill, allowing deportation operations to largely continue.
