Impact of the Department of Homeland Security’s Shutdown?

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shut down on February 14 after a failed attempt to push for Senate votes on the House-passed DHS appropriations bill. A separate resolution aimed at maintaining Homeland Security activities and programs at FY 2025 levels for two more weeks also failed.

Despite ongoing negotiations between the White House and congressional leaders, a resolution remains elusive. Democrats argue that their demands to limit immigration enforcement resonate with the public. They have framed the debate as a values-driven issue, making it difficult for them to support any spending measure that doesn’t address at least some of these demands. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has scaled back its immigration enforcement surge, which has led Republicans to believe they are regaining a political advantage on this issue. However, more conservative members of the party are adamant that they will not accept Democratic immigration demands and are urging leadership to advance their own priorities, including measures that would limit sanctuary city policies.

Over the weekend, DHS announced the suspension of TSA PreCheck and Global Entry services, effective the evening of February 15. This action was expected to escalate pressure on lawmakers to reach a deal. However, the suspension was rescinded within 24 hours.

While it may take weeks for the general public to feel the effects of the shutdown, most DHS employees are classified as essential and will continue working despite the lapse in funding. Thanks to funding from last year’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, FEMA, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, ICE, and the Secret Service can maintain their operations. Additionally, DHS will continue paying active-duty Coast Guard members for at least a couple of months, and TSA screeners will receive their full paycheck in mid-March.