How DHS Shutdown Will Affect Travelers After Senate Fails To Close Funding Deal

After the Senate failed to reach a deal on DHS funding, staff across its agencies will be forced to work without receiving regular paycheques. The most immediate consequence of the funding lapse will affect the Transportation Security Administration and Customs and Border Protection, meaning travellers will certainly feel the impact.

DHS has previously shut down, leading to increased staff absences. With limited staff members, queues at airport security are longer and there may be delays in services. Travellers must arrive at the airport much earlier to accommodate the changes.

Staff 'Just Recovering' From Previous Shutdown

The current crisis stems from a deep ideological divide regarding border policy and broader immigration reforms. Senate Democrats recently blocked a funding measure that included restrictive asylum policies and increased detention requirements favoured by Republican members.

This disagreement has effectively frozen a proposed $14 billion (£11.66 billion) supplemental funding package intended to bolster border security and processing capabilities. Acting TSA Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill told the Senate that around 61,000 employees and over 430 commercial airports will be affected by the lack of funding, and it isn't the first time it has happened.

'Some are just recovering from the financial impact of the 43-day shutdown,' McNeill said. 'We cannot put them through another such experience. It would be unconscionable.'

Republicans have insisted that any funding deal must be tied to significant changes in how the executive branch manages the southern border. Democrats, on the other hand, argue that the proposed changes are too extreme and undermine the legal right to seek asylum. This impasse has left the Department of Homeland Security in a precarious position.

What Happens During a DHS Shutdown

Despite the cessation of 'non-essential' activities, approximately 90 per cent of the department's workforce will remain on duty due to their roles in national security. This includes personnel within the Secret Service, the Coast Guard, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. However, whilst these employees are required to report for work, the lack of an official budget means their compensation is deferred indefinitely.

'DHS essential missions and functions will continue as they do during every shutdown,' a DHS spokesperson told CNBC.'However, during a shutdown, many employees will be forced to work without pay, putting strain on the frontline defenders of our nation.'

According to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, those who screen bags at the airport before boarding their flights 'won't be paid after Friday'. She added that the lack of funding for these agencies makes the country 'very vulnerable' to terrorists.

'ICE Is Out of Control'

The Democrats and Republicans couldn't agree on the DHS funding after the former made several demands following the fatal shootings involving immigration officers and civilians. In January, Renee Nicole Good was shot dead by an ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) officer. Two weeks later, a nurse, Alex Pretti, was killed by a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent.

Amongst the demands was to restrict federal agents from wearing masks, ban racial profiling, impose a 'reasonable' use-of-force standard, and require judicial warrants to enter private properties. Democrats also want immigration officers to wear identification, body cameras, and standardised uniforms.

Sen Chris Murphy, a Connecticut Democrat, felt that the Republicans were not serious about the negotiation.

'Senate Democrats have been clear that we have all taken an oath, an oath to uphold the law of the country, and this Department of Homeland Security, this ICE, is out of control,' he said.

ICE is a federal law enforcement agency under DHS. Sen Katie Britt, an Alabama Republican who led the negotiations, was hoping to reach a resolution soon.

'We are working in good faith to find a pathway forward. What we're asking is, let us continue to do that,' she said.