US House of Representatives, Washington.Image: public domain
April 30, 2026, 9:47 p.mApril 30, 2026, 9:48 p.m
The months-long dispute over the budget of the criticized US Department of Homeland Security has been resolved – at least for the most part: Democrats and Republicans in the House of Representatives agreed on a law that forms the basis for the department’s budget. However, there is still no agreement on the funding of the immigration authorities ICE and the border protection agency CBP.
The dispute over funding arose after two US citizens were shot by federal officers during deportation raids in the US state of Minnesota. ICE officials were also involved. The Democrats then insisted, among other things, that officers no longer wear masks when on duty.
In addition to the immigration and border protection authorities, the Coast Guard and the Fema disaster control agency also belong to the Ministry of Homeland Security. US President Donald Trump still has to sign the law for it to come into force.
Report: White House put pressure on Republicans
According to media reports, this is the longest shutdown of a single ministry. Since mid-February, the ministry had lacked the basis to finance government business. The Senate then approved the budget in March, but members of the House of Representatives resisted the bill.
As the New York Times reported, the White House urged the House of Representatives on Tuesday to accept the Senate’s proposal. Many Republicans in the chamber were reluctant to agree to a law as long as it did not include funding for immigration authorities. As the New York Times further reported, the White House wants this to happen in a separate law.
The Department of Homeland Security has been without secured funding since February 14th. The partial standstill in government business was particularly noticeable due to a lack of funds for airport security (TSA). Employees’ salaries were temporarily blocked, which is why many of them called in sick or quit. Especially during the holidays, there were sometimes hours-long waiting times at the airports. (sda/dpa)