The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shut down after lawmakers failed to meet the funding deadline. The shutdown suspends pay for the department’s personnel and some of its services. This is the third government shutdown since October 2025, but it’s much more limited than the previous two. Government departments outside the DHS aren’t affected by the shutdown. Immigration agency operations will continue as normal, at most there may be an increased delay in processing times.
Background Information
Shutdown of DHS services comes after disagreements over funding, following an increase in scrutiny towards several department agencies. Funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is especially contentious. The agency’s actions during immigration enforcement operations in places like Chicago, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, and Portland drew criticism from both lawmakers and the public.
What to Expect from the Shutdown
Here are a few things to know about the shutdown:
- Immigration agencies, such as ICE and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), will continue as normal.
- Expect immigration enforcement operations to continue.
- This means immigration agency operations will continue as normal, there may be an increased delay in processing times.
- The Transport Security Administration (TSA) will continue operations as normal.
- If the shutdown lasts more than a few weeks, travelers might see increased delays due to more workers staying home. Especially since many workers are still recovering from the previous shutdown in January 2026.
- It’s uncertain how the long the shutdown will last.
- NPR explained lawmakers weren’t likely to reach a funding deal soon.
Foreign residents planning any changes or adjustments in status should plan accordingly. Additionally, they should refrain from traveling abroad until the shutdown ends.
As always, ILBSG actively monitors ongoing U.S. immigration news. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, please contact us. Working with an experienced attorney ensures you get the right advice based on the most recent laws and policy updates. In an ever-evolving immigration landscape, it’s particularly critical you get the right advice.