DHS partially shut down due to ongoing bipartisan immigration negotiations, affecting agencies like FEMA and TSA. Funding lapse began on Feb 14, causing fi
Shutdown Continues Amid Bipartisan Standoff
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) remains partially shut down as negotiations between Democrats and Republicans over immigration reform stall. The shutdown affects agencies beyond just Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and the Coast Guard. Workers whose duties continue during the partial shutdown are experiencing delayed paychecks, leading to increased financial strain.
Department Operations Under Strain
The funding lapse began on February 14. Despite calls for reform, an agreement appears distant as Democrats have not shown willingness to change their stance. While the Trump administration's immigration crackdown has continued to be funded, this support has been contingent on funding from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of the previous year. Secretary Kristi Noem faced intense criticism at the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, particularly from Republican Sens. John Kennedy of Louisiana and Thom Tillis of North Carolina. Kennedy questioned the allocation of funds for television advertisements featuring Noem, while Tillis conducted a "performance evaluation" of Noem’s leadership, stating, "What we've seen is a disaster under your leadership."
Testimony and Criticism
Noem's testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday was met with heavy criticism from Democrats and two Republican senators. The GOP senators generally supported the administration's immigration enforcement operations, but Kennedy and Tillis highlighted issues with her handling of the crackdown. Tillis, in particular, called for Noem to address concerns about stonewalling investigations and to provide answers. Noem avoided apologizing for her earlier comments about domestic terrorism linked to the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, instead offering condolences to their families and promising to continue working to provide factual information.
Minnesota Governor's Testimony
While Noem faces scrutiny, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is also testifying before the House Oversight Committee. Walz and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison are set to provide testimony regarding the state's fraud concerns, following the surge of federal agents into Minneapolis. This hearing comes after Ellison testified at a previous Senate hearing that included officials from ICE, CBP, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Both sides have blamed each other for mishandling the situation in Minnesota.
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