The US House of Representatives has passed legislation to fund most operations of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), bringing an end to the agency’s longest shutdown on record. The bipartisan measure has been sent to President Donald Trump for signature.
While the bill restores funding for DHS agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), it does not include funding for immigration enforcement operations, including US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Funding for those activities will be addressed separately through the federal budget reconciliation process.
Background
DHS had been operating without regular funding since February 14, causing significant strain on agency operations and employees. Although many DHS workers are considered essential and continued working, funding gaps led to growing concerns over employee pay and potential disruptions at US airports.
The shutdown stemmed from sharp disagreement in Congress over immigration enforcement funding. Democrats insisted on changes to enforcement practices following fatal incidents involving federal agents, while Republicans opposed any funding bill that excluded ICE and Border Patrol resources.
Although the Senate approved the bipartisan DHS funding package earlier, the measure stalled in the House for several weeks before leadership reached a compromise.
Separate Immigration Funding Track
To resolve the impasse, congressional Republicans opted to move immigration enforcement funding into a separate budget reconciliation bill. That forthcoming legislation is expected to propose approximately $70 billion for border security, enforcement, and deportation efforts covering the remainder of President Trump’s term, which ends in January 2029.
House Speaker Mike Johnson acknowledged prior criticism of the DHS funding bill but stated that separating immigration enforcement funding allowed Congress to move forward without broader policy changes.
Lawmakers are expected to begin drafting the enforcement funding bill in May, with the White House requesting final passage by June 1.
Impact on DHS Employees and Operations
Prior to passage of the funding bill, DHS relied on temporary funding measures and executive actions to ensure employees (particularly TSA officers) continued receiving pay. DHS officials warned that those funds were nearly exhausted, raising alarms about operational stability.
Industry groups, including Airlines for America, highlighted staffing concerns and employee attrition during the shutdown, urging Congress to provide predictable and stable funding for aviation security.
What’s Next
With DHS funding restored, attention now turns to the upcoming budget reconciliation process and its potential implications for immigration enforcement policy and agency operations.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.