US: Homeland Security shuts down over budget dispute

"The department oversees the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. Democrats have refused to support new funding amidst the highly controversial ICE presence in several major cities, dubbed "Operation Metro Surge." The operation has seen ICE greatly expand its raids in multiple areas, including Los Angeles, Chicago and Minneapolis. Democrats have decried the move as politically motivated retaliation against leaders and communities that do not support President Donald Trump."

"Two US citizens were killed by ICE agents in Minneapolis, and dozens of US citizens have been mistakenly detained. Critics have pointed out the lack of adequate training given to agents and a culture that seeks to detain first and ask questions later. Residents in Minneapolis and Chicago have likened the ICE crackdown to a war-like atmosphere, with citizens and immigrants alike scared to go to work, carry out errands, or send their children to school over fears."

"Who is affected by the shutdown? The Senate deadlock has cut funding to ICE, but also to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Coast Guard, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) providing security at US airports. For now, it appeared as though TSA agents were being expected to continue work without pay. Other government departments narrowly avoided a shutdown when Congress was able to agree to a budget for them last week."

DHS has entered a shutdown after senators failed to pass its 2026 budget. The department oversees ICE, which expanded raids in several major cities under "Operation Metro Surge." The operation expanded raids in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Minneapolis, prompting Democratic refusal to support funding and accusations of politically motivated retaliation. Two US citizens were killed by ICE agents in Minneapolis and dozens of US citizens were mistakenly detained. Critics cite insufficient agent training and a detain-first culture. Residents describe a war-like atmosphere and fear attending work, errands, or school. Observers document inhumane treatment in detention centers and widespread health problems, especially among children. The shutdown also halts funding for FEMA, the Coast Guard, and TSA; TSA agents appear expected to work without pay while talks continue.

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