DHS partial shutdown begins following ICE funding impasse

The United States Department of Homeland Security entered a partial budget shutdown on Friday after Democrats and Republicans failed to reach an agreement regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) funding. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries accused Republicans of refusing to exercise oversight of ICE, while White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt attributed the deadlock to partisan political motives. The shutdown took effect at midnight following tensions linked to events in Minneapolis. As a result, thousands of federal employees will be furloughed, and essential staff will be required to work without pay until a budget is approved. Despite the funding freeze for the parent department, ICE is expected to continue operations using previously allocated 2025 funds. Democratic Senator John Fetterman emerged as a rare voice within his party opposing the shutdown. The impasse centers on Democratic refusals to provide new funding due to ICE's recent actions. Compensation for affected workers will remain withheld until Congress passes a new department budget.