A prolonged dispute over immigration enforcement has led to a partial shutdown of the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Democrats in Congress have vowed to withhold funding until major reforms are enacted, following two fatal shootings by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis.
The shutdown began on Saturday, affecting thousands of government workers. Airport security officers, disaster relief officials and other personnel will either be furloughed or required to work without pay until Congress reaches an agreement on funding.
Focus of the dispute
At the centre of the disagreement is Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Its agents were involved in the deaths of two US citizens amid raids and protests in Minneapolis.
Democrats oppose new funding for DHS unless major changes are implemented to how ICE operates. They have called for reduced patrols, a ban on agents wearing face masks during operations, and a requirement for judicial warrants before entering private property.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticised Republicans, saying: “Dramatic changes are needed. Absent that, Republicans have decided to shut down parts of the federal government.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt blamed Democrats, claiming they were pushing the government toward shutdown for political reasons. The White House said it was willing to negotiate on immigration enforcement policies. Senate Majority Leader John Thune called the offer “extremely serious” but warned Democrats would not get their full wish list.
Impact and response
ICE operations will continue using funds approved in last year’s budget. The shutdown primarily affects other agencies, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which handles disaster responses.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) warned that prolonged closure could lead to longer airport wait times and cancelled flights. This marks the third DHS-related shutdown during Trump’s second term, following a record 43-day closure last October and November, and a smaller four-day shutdown earlier this month.
Following public concern over the Minneapolis shootings of Renée Good and Alex Pretti, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that federal agents in the city would wear body cameras immediately, with plans to expand the policy nationwide. Talks between the White House and Democratic leaders remain stalled, with the Senate in recess but able to return if negotiations require urgent attention.
