US Government Shutdown Over ICE Dispute: Homeland Security Paralyzed

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has entered a government shutdown due to a failure to reach an agreement between Democrats and Republicans regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The dispute escalated following events in Minneapolis.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries accused Donald Trump and Republicans of lacking interest in controlling ICE. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt responded on Fox News, stating that the opposition is causing the deadlock for 'political and partisan reasons'.

Thousands of federal employees will be furloughed, while others will work without pay. Salaries will be paid after Congress approves the budget. Democrats are refusing to fund the DHS due to ICE's actions, but ICE will continue to operate thanks to funds approved in 2025.

Senator John Fetterman stated that the shutdown will have 'literally zero impact' on ICE. Other DHS agencies, such as FEMA and TSA, will be more affected. The TSA warned of staff shortages and airport delays.

Democrats are demanding changes in ICE's operations, such as ending aerial patrols and requiring warrants before arrests. Their opposition intensified after the deaths of Rene Guးd and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.

The White House has stated its willingness to negotiate, but Democrats rejected the government's counterproposal. This is the third shutdown since the start of President Trump's second term.