DHS Partial Shutdown Sparks Crisis: Will ICE Continue Raids?

Partial DHS shutdown

ICE in political dispute

Agencies operating without pay

The partial shutdown of the United States government has reopened a key question: Will ICE raids be halted?

Democratic and Republican lawmakers failed to reach an agreement to fund the immigration policies of President Donald Trump’s administration.

The disagreement directly impacts the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which entered a partial administrative shutdown this Saturday.

It is the third shutdown since Trump’s return to the White House. Unlike the previous ones, this one affects only DHS.

DHS Partial Shutdown Sparks New Crisis in Washington

What will be affected by the shutdown of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security? https://t.co/jeHFPRZXWR

This government shutdown is the third since Trump’s return; this one only affects DHS, which oversees several of the country’s key agencies. pic.twitter.com/Tuoy1jt5Ie

— El Minnesota de Hoy (@MNHoy) February 15, 2026

The first shutdown lasted 43 days between October and November. The second lasted nearly four days earlier this month.

Now, the rest of the federal government will not be affected. Its budget has already been approved through September. The focus is on immigration.

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The Senate failed Thursday in its attempt to pass a Republican bill to fund DHS through September, according to El Financiero.

Nearly all Democrats blocked the measure, arguing it did not impose sufficient limits on ICE operations.

These operations have sparked protests and have also been linked to the deaths of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Internal differences persist. Even within the Republican-controlled Congress, there is disagreement.

Some lawmakers advocate for full-year funding. Others prefer a temporary proposal.

The scheduled recess could extend the shutdown. DHS employs more than 270,000 people. More than 90% will continue working during the DHS partial shutdown.

ICE Under Political Pressure and National Spotlight

This partial DHS shutdown is just flat out fcking dangerous.

Senate Democrats blocked the funding bill, leaving TSA naked at airports, FEMA unprepared for disasters, and the Coast Guard hanging; all because they’re throwing a hissy fit over ICE actually doing its job.… pic.twitter.com/qVqugA1vAm

— The Elephant in the Room (@elephant_23) February 12, 2026

The shutdown applies only to agencies under the DHS umbrella.

These include U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

It also affects the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

The United States Coast Guard, the United States Secret Service, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are included as well.

Most of their employees are considered essential.

They must continue working without receiving pay until the impasse is resolved. Not all federal sectors are involved.

Air traffic controllers will not be affected. They fall under the Department of Transportation.

In the past, their absence caused thousands of flight cancellations. This time, they are not part of the shutdown.

DHS Partial Shutdown Leaves Thousands of Employees in Limbo

DHS Partial Shutdown Sparks Crisis: Will ICE Continue Raids? Photo: ChatGPT

ICE is at the center of the political standoff. In recent years, DHS has allocated approximately $10 billion annually to the agency.

That is the funding currently blocked. ICE has been the visible face of immigration enforcement during Trump’s second term.

Alongside CBP, it has carried out raids in predominantly Democratic cities, including Minneapolis.

Despite the congressional conflict, ICE may not be the most affected agency.

The president’s budget and fiscal law allows for fund transfers.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has room to redistribute resources.

This could ensure continued immigration operations and payment to agents. Other agencies do not have the same flexibility.

Airports and Emergencies Could Feel the Impact

The Coast Guard will maintain critical missions. FEMA will continue essential disaster response tasks.

However, training sessions and official travel will be reduced. Some routine operations will also be limited.

If the DHS partial shutdown continues, employees could go weeks without pay.

TSA faces a similar situation.

For the third time during Trump’s current term, its members will work without guaranteed pay. Over time, the public may begin to notice the effects.

Security checkpoint delays at airports could increase. Meanwhile, the question of ICE raids remains open.

The political standoff continues. And the impact of the partial shutdown is only beginning to be felt.