Homeland Security suspends Tsa Precheck and Global Entry as shutdown stretches on
The Department of Homeland Security announced it will suspend tsa precheck and Global Entry, effective 6am ET on Sunday, a move that officials say is necessary as a partial government shutdown continues. The measure is likely to slow security and customs processing for registered travelers and adds pressure to airlines already warning of disruption.
Tsa Precheck and Global Entry suspension set to begin at 6am ET on Sunday
Homeland Security is pausing two trusted-traveler programs that speed passengers through airport checkpoints and customs. The suspension will take effect at 6am ET on Sunday. TSA’s PreCheck program provides approved passengers access to expedited security lanes at US airports, while Global Entry expedites customs and immigration clearance for pre-approved, low-risk international travelers entering the United States.
Kristi Noem: DHS prioritizing general traveling population
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said shutdowns have "serious real world consequences" and explained the decision as a reprioritization of resources. She said TSA and Customs and Border Protection are prioritizing the general traveling population at airports and ports of entry and are suspending courtesy and special privilege escorts. The department framed the suspension as necessary to maintain core processing for the broader public.
Airlines criticize short notice; trade group warns of economic fallout
Some US carriers criticized the department for offering little advance warning to travelers. Chris Sununu, chief executive of the trade association Airlines for America, said the traveling public risks being "used as a political football" amid the shutdown and criticized the short notice given to passengers, urging lawmakers to reach a funding deal. Sununu pointed to a prior shutdown that he said produced $6. 1bn in losses across the travel industry and related sectors, framing the suspension as a repeat strain on an already fragile system.
House Democrats and policy standoff behind the shutdown
The partial government shutdown began on 14 February after Democrats and the White House failed to reach an agreement on legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security. Democrats have been pressing for changes to immigration operations that are central to President Donald Trump's deportation campaign. Members of the House Committee on Homeland Security criticized the suspension on social media, accusing the administration of "kneecapping the programs that make travel smoother and secure" and of "ruining your travel on purpose. "
Shutdown ripple effects: FEMA deployments halted
The shutdown has prompted additional operational impacts across the department. On Thursday, the administration ordered the Federal Emergency Management Agency to suspend the deployment of hundreds of aid workers to disaster-affected areas because of the DHS funding lapse. That decision illustrates how the funding impasse is affecting both routine traveler services and emergency response capabilities.
The immediate cause—an unfunded DHS—has produced the effect of redirecting limited personnel and forcing the temporary removal of expedited lanes for vetted travelers, which in turn is expected to increase wait times and complicate travel planning. What makes this notable is the simultaneous strain on both airport operations and emergency response, amplifying financial and logistical pressure at a time when industry groups warn of significant economic consequences if the shutdown persists.
Travelers enrolled in tsa precheck and Global Entry should prepare for longer security and customs processing, and industry leaders are calling on Congress to restore funding to prevent prolonged disruption.
