DHS Shutdown and Harvard Lawsuit: Top Trump Administration Updates

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is on the brink of a shutdown due to stalled funding negotiations. Funding is set to lapse early Saturday morning. The deadlock stems from differing opinions on the Trump administration’s approach to immigration enforcement in cities like Minneapolis. There, two U.S. citizens were killed by federal agents last month.

Democrats are demanding regulations for immigration officers. They want these officers to identify themselves, remove their masks, and secure judicial warrants for arrests on private property. However, Republicans oppose these demands, labeling them as excessive.

While the shutdown looms, it is unlikely to disrupt all DHS activities immediately. The department also encompasses agencies unrelated to immigration, such as the Coast Guard and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

DHS Operations During a Funding Lapse

Despite the impending shutdown, many of DHS’s essential functions will continue. The department stated essential missions will proceed as they do during all previous shutdowns. Many employees may have to work without pay, which creates additional strain on critical operations.

Impact on Immigration Enforcement

• Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): Employing around 22,000 officers, ICE’s work is deemed essential, allowing them to work during funding lapses.
• Customs and Border Protection (CBP): With over 60,000 officials, CBP also continues its critical missions.

Last summer, Congress significantly increased ICE’s budget, adding $75 billion. This expansion provides ICE with resources to navigate financial uncertainties.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

Approximately 95% of TSA’s 60,000 employees are required to work through the shutdown without pay. Past shutdowns have led to staffing shortages, resulting in delays at major airports. Many employees struggled financially, prompting an uptick in resignations.

Efforts are underway to bolster TSA staffing ahead of the upcoming World Cup, although it remains uncertain if this will retain more employees during another downturn.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

FEMA anticipates that around 85% of its employees will work without pay if funded lapses occur. The agency can currently manage its disaster response operations due to enough financial resources. However, a significant disaster during a shutdown may severely strain its funding.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

USCIS is primarily funded through user fees, allowing most of its services to continue during a shutdown. However, certain programs like E-Verify could face temporary suspension if funding is not restored.

Coast Guard Operations

Like military branches, Coast Guard personnel must work without pay during a shutdown. This situation poses risks to mission readiness and negatively impacts morale. Essential training and maintenance schedules may also suffer delays.

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency

Most of the staff at this agency would be furloughed during a shutdown. However, about 888 employees will continue working on critical missions to protect national infrastructure.

Secret Service Coverage

The Secret Service will retain around 94% of its personnel on duty, focusing on the protection of key national figures. However, like other agencies, a shutdown could dampen employee morale and delay important hiring and training initiatives.

The impasse reflects broader disputes over immigration policy and government budgeting strategies. As the situation progresses, the full effects of a DHS shutdown will unfold across various public safety sectors in the coming days.