As of Saturday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is facing a temporary shutdown after Democrats and Republicans failed to agree on funding.
While Congress has finished most of its yearly spending work, disagreements over border security have stopped a deal for the DHS. This means some parts of the department, which has about 272,000 workers, will have to slow down or stop operations. About 90% of DHS employees will keep working, but many might not get paid right away.
DHS, created after the terror attacks of 2001, oversees important agencies like ICE, CBP, TSA, FEMA, the Coast Guard, and the Secret Service.
Many essential workers, like TSA agents and Coast Guard members, will be on the job without immediate pay. They are expected to receive back pay once the shutdown ends.
The White House offered a compromise, but Democrats in the House of Representatives have called it insufficient. They’re asking for changes to how ICE and CBP operate, including requiring warrants before pursuing those suspected of being in the country illegally.
Republicans have generally opposed these changes, believing they would hinder law enforcement’s ability to protect the border and enforce immigration laws.
While talks are expected to continue, most members of Congress have left Washington and are not scheduled to return until later this month.
Senator John Thune said he would alert lawmakers if there is a breakthrough, expressing hope for a resolution despite the Democrats’ current stance. He noted that the White House is making concessions, but Democrats have not yet allowed the government to stay open.
The core issue, according to some Democrats, is that ICE should follow the same rules as other police forces. However, many conservatives argue that border security requires different measures to protect national interests.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has allowed House members to leave Washington, with a notice to return if needed, depending on what happens in the Senate.
