Dispute Over ICE Oversight Raises Risk of Partial DHS Shutdown
A political deadlock over the oversight of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is threatening a partial federal shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) if lawmakers do not reach an agreement by February 13.
The dispute between Democrats and Republicans in Congress escalated following a deadly ICE operation in Minneapolis last month, which resulted in the deaths of two individuals, including an American woman.
Democrats are pushing for specific reforms aimed at regulating ICE operations. Their proposals include requiring a judicial warrant before entering a person’s home, prohibiting officers from wearing masks during operations, and mandating the use of body cameras.
Republicans have expressed partial support but raised concerns over certain measures. While they are open to body camera requirements, they argue that banning masks could compromise officer safety. They also warn that requiring a judicial warrant in every case could create operational delays.
If the disagreement is not resolved quickly, DHS funding could lapse, shutting down key services across the department. Beyond ICE, critical security operations under DHS—including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the U.S. Coast Guard—could also be suspended.
Lawmakers face a narrow window to reconcile differences, as a failure to pass funding legislation could leave DHS partially inoperative, raising concerns about national security and public safety.
