The United States is nearing a partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security after lawmakers failed to agree on new immigration limits. The shutdown begins at 12:01 a.m. Saturday and affects only DHS. Essential services will continue, but travel, emergency response, and other public services could face disruptions as lawmakers remain divided over immigration enforcement rules.
What a DHS shutdown means for everyday Americans
If the shutdown moves forward, it will affect about 13 percent of the federal civilian workforce and disrupt several Department of Homeland Security agencies. The Transportation Security Administration will continue screening passengers, but many TSA workers will have to work without pay, raising concerns about staffing pressure at busy airports.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency may also face limits. It will continue emergency response operations, but it may pause some disaster recovery and planning programs. The United States Coast Guard will remain fully operational, carrying out rescues and maritime security missions, though many members would work without pay.
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Federal rules require employees in public safety and national security roles to stay on the job during a shutdown. Others would be furloughed. If the shutdown lasts, affected workers would miss their first paycheck in early March. DHS has said essential missions will continue, but no updated operational plan has been released.
Immigration enforcement at the center of the standoff
Immigration enforcement is at the center of the standoff over funding for the Department of Homeland Security. Democrats in Congress are refusing to approve the annual DHS budget unless major changes are made to how immigration agents operate in the field.
Their demands focus on Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection, which are responsible for arrests, deportations, and border control. Democrats are calling for stricter accountability measures, including mandatory body cameras, limits on face coverings during operations, and requirements for agents to obtain judicial warrants before entering homes. Supporters say these steps are needed to protect civil rights and prevent misuse of authority.
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Republicans strongly oppose these conditions. They argue that forcing agents to clearly identify themselves could put them at risk of harassment or targeting. Many also accuse Democrats of using the threat of a shutdown to undermine immigration enforcement, which they consider a top priority for public safety.
Despite the funding dispute, ICE and CBP are expected to continue operations. Both agencies received large funding boosts under a Republican-backed tax and spending law passed last year, allowing enforcement activities to continue even if DHS funding lapses.
Public opinion remains divided, with many Americans saying immigration enforcement in cities has gone too far.
Congress leaves Washington as talks remain frozen
As the shutdown deadline nears, both chambers of Congress have left Washington for a scheduled recess. Lawmakers do not expect to return until later in the month unless a deal is reached. Leaders from both parties say members are ready to come back if negotiations succeed. For now, talks remain stalled, and each side blames the other.
Democrats say the White House’s latest proposal does not address concerns about immigration enforcement. They say they cannot support funding for the Department of Homeland Security without major changes to enforcement practices. Republicans say they are negotiating in good faith. They believe a compromise is possible. They also accuse Democrats of forcing a shutdown over policy demands rather than funding needs.
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Congress has faced similar standoffs before. Late last year, disputes over health insurance subsidies led to the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. That shutdown ended after promises of votes that later failed.
This shutdown would be more limited. All other federal agencies are funded through the end of September, leaving only DHS affected. Still, many workers could go unpaid, and essential services may face strain as the immigration debate continues.