Upcoming Partial Government Shutdown to Impact DHS: What It Means
A looming partial government shutdown could significantly influence operations within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) if Congress fails to secure funding by the stipulated deadline. Nearly all DHS employees would remain on duty but would not receive immediate compensation until the funding lapse concludes.
Impact of Partial Government Shutdown on DHS
The DHS is currently the only federal agency without funding for the remainder of the 2026 fiscal year, which ends on September 30. As of now, funding agreements have been reached for other government sectors, following a previous extended shutdown that lasted over 43 days.
The most recent budget approval, finalized in late January, allocated only two weeks of funding to DHS. This temporary funding aims to allow legislators to negotiate reforms regarding the agency’s immigration enforcement, following a tragic incident in Minneapolis where two U.S. citizens were fatally shot by federal immigration agents.
Legislative Stalemate and Proposed Reforms
Discussions are ongoing as President Biden’s recent proposal is under review by Senate Democrats. However, it remains uncertain whether a viable agreement can be established before DHS funding expires. Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated the necessity for a continuing resolution to maintain essential DHS functions.
- Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has not clarified the Democratic strategy moving forward.
- Democrats have articulated demands for reforms that prioritize the accountability of immigration enforcement practices.
- Proposed changes include limiting patrols, tightening search warrant requirements, and enforcing stricter use-of-force policies.
These demands have faced resistance from Republicans, who seek concessions such as increased restrictions on sanctuary cities.
Operational Continuity Amid Shutdown
Although shutdowns generally create significant operational challenges, the DHS situation is somewhat distinct. Air traffic control operations, under the Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration, are fully funded, so major disruptions in flight operations are unlikely. However, travelers may experience longer wait times at security checkpoints, as TSA personnel, part of DHS, would be forced to work without pay.
Resources and Staffing During the Shutdown
In the event of a shutdown, more than 90% of the DHS workforce—approximately 272,000 employees—will remain actively engaged in their duties. Specifically:
- Over 93% of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) employees will keep working.
- Only around 44,500 employees will continue to receive pay due to different appropriations.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has previously stated that approximately 70,000 law enforcement personnel will receive their salaries despite the shutdown. The agency has access to substantial financial resources, including a $165 billion allocation from last summer’s omnibus funding bill.
Essential Operations and Services
DHS encompasses critical services beyond immigration enforcement, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Coast Guard, and the Secret Service. Essential operations would continue, covering:
- Law enforcement actions related to immigration and drug trafficking.
- Passenger processing and cargo inspections at entry points.
- Disaster Relief Fund activities.
According to Rachel Snyderman of the Bipartisan Policy Center, while initial impacts of a potential shutdown may be minimal due to essential staffing levels, prolonged disruptions could lead to staff attrition.
FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund is reportedly well-equipped, with nearly $31 billion available at the start of the year. Monthly expenditures typically vary between $500 million to $1 billion unless a major disaster occurs. Other federal services, such as national parks and the IRS, will remain operational, having secured sufficient funding for the fiscal year.
