The Department of Homeland Security is clarifying which services are affected as the partial federal government shutdown enters its second week. Confusion over the weekend prompted the agency to issue updates after mixed messages about what programs would continue.
The shutdown has forced DHS to scale back non‑essential operations across FEMA, the Transportation Security Administration, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. FEMA has paused all work unrelated to active disasters, shifting entirely to emergency operations. Long‑term recovery projects, administrative tasks, and training are on hold until funding is restored.
TSA has suspended courtesy services such as special‑privilege airport escorts, and CBP has halted Global Entry arrival processing, sending trusted‑traveler members through standard inspection lanes. Tours, outreach events, and lawmaker escorts at ports of entry are also suspended.
But core security functions remain in place. Airport screening continues, and TSA PreCheck lanes are still operating for now. Border‑security operations and inspections at ports of entry also remain active. FEMA will continue responding to disasters that pose immediate threats to life and safety.
DHS leaders say the shutdown is creating real‑world challenges for employees and operations, especially with a major winter storm expected in parts of the Mid‑Atlantic and Northeast. This marks the third time this Congress that the department has been forced to operate without full funding.
