Shutdown Hits FEMA, TSA, Coast Guard—But Not ICE
The recent federal government shutdown, which began on October 1, 2025, has once again highlighted the tense standoffs in Washington. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) delivered a sharp critique of what he termed “absurd political theater” by Senate Democrats. During a Senate floor speech, he unveiled a key detail: the Department of Homeland Security’s major immigration enforcement efforts remain secure, while essential services grapple with severe disruptions.
Mullin pointed out that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is fully funded for the next three to four years due to a long-term appropriation that was previously enacted. “ICE is funded for three to four years because of the One Big Beautiful Bill,” he stated, highlighting a crucial but overlooked fact that while many federal operations grind to a halt, ICE continues its work unimpeded.
The senator emphasized the irony of the situation: services that ordinary Americans depend on—such as airport security, disaster relief, and border protection—are now sidelined. “It’s actually absurd the political theater Democrats are doing with DHS,” Mullin said, pointing out that while ICE operates as usual, programs that affect many citizens are facing significant setbacks.
The shutdown was triggered after Senate Democrats, led by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), blocked a clean short-term continuing resolution (CR) that passed through the House. That CR intended to maintain current funding levels through November 21. Despite some Democratic senators supporting the bill, Schumer’s team employed a filibuster to prevent it from obtaining the necessary 60 votes.
According to internal Republican briefings, the funding secured for ICE protects it from the furloughs and disruptions that other parts of the Department of Homeland Security are currently experiencing. Mullin described the impact of the shutdown on critical services, where hundreds of thousands of federal employees face uncertainty. About 750,000 workers are furloughed while 1.3 million others will work without pay during a period when public safety is of utmost concern.
Among those affected are:
- TSA agents, who oversee security at airports and must now do their jobs unpaid.
- U.S. Secret Service personnel, responsible for the protection of high-profile individuals.
- FEMA disaster relief teams, currently stalled at a critical juncture during hurricane season.
- U.S. Coast Guard units, engaged in vital search and rescue missions.
As federal contractors face uncertain payment schedules and small business owners await crucial USDA loan approvals, the ripple effects of the shutdown grow wider. While veterans may see a slight slowdown in benefits administration, essential healthcare and disability benefits remain funded.
Notably, ICE’s operations remain intact, thanks to an $8 billion budget ratified in early 2025, shielding it from the impacts of the current shutdown. Mullin has been vocal in calling out the Democrats’ strategy, noting the irony of the situation: Democrats, in their quest for political leverage, are causing real harm to American citizens, despite ICE being unaffected.
Political Maneuvering Behind the Shutdown
The Democrats’ refusal to push through the clean CR stems from broader disputes over funding for healthcare and immigration enforcement. Many within the Democratic Party have demanded reforms to ICE’s operations, showcasing a divide that complicates negotiations. Some progressive members advocate for restrictions that would limit ICE’s capability to enforce immigration laws without judicial warrants.
Under intense pressure from the party’s left flank and the looming threat of a primary challenge, Schumer has leaned on his caucus to block the CR bill. Republicans have accused Democrats of using the shutdown as leverage, putting critical services at risk without directly affecting ICE.
“It’s absurd,” Mullin remarked, pointing out the disconnect between the political objectives of Senate Democrats and the fallout on the ground. “TSA lines will stretch for hours, Coast Guard emergency calls might go unanswered, and FEMA workers are standing by instead of helping communities. And for what? ICE keeps running.”
This tactic not only puts essential services at risk but also undermines the Democratic message. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX) had previously warned his colleagues about the implications of rejecting DHS funding since ICE would remain operational while districts could lose FEMA support. Rep. Don Davis (D-NC) summed it up: “It’s not a matter of if but when Eastern North Carolina gets hit by another hurricane. Shutting down disaster readiness is reckless.”
Essential Services vs. Political Objectives
Government shutdowns historically erode public trust in the administrative process. The 2019 stalemate lasted 34 days, resulting in significant financial losses and delayed services. With the 2025 shutdown already reaching 43 days, it has become the second-longest in American history. Numerous trade organizations have sent letters urging Congress for an expedient resolution to this standoff.
Airports illustrate the realities of the shutdown’s effects. Reports indicate that at least 17% of flights within the initial two weeks faced delays related to security and traffic control understaffing. Food assistance programs like SNAP and WIC rely on contingency funds, and potential service interruptions loom as the standoff prolongs.
Even so, ICE remains fully operational with over 200 detention centers nationwide and a budget that allows for continued deportation and enforcement operations. The agency’s ability to function unimpeded stands in stark contrast to the mounting pressures faced by other federal services.
Looking Ahead
As talks resume behind closed doors, the outlook for resolution remains murky. Republican leaders continue to advocate for the clean CR, while Senate Democrats exhibit deep divisions, torn between addressing constituent needs and adhering to the demands of progressive factions.
The longer the shutdown lasts, the higher the stakes grow. Military families await back pay, federal law enforcement faces increased stress, and upcoming holiday air travel hangs in the balance with inadequate TSA staffing. Meanwhile, Mullin’s pointed remarks encapsulated a rising frustration: “Chuck Schumer is cooked. This is on him.” As public sentiment weighs the effectiveness of a shutdown that spares immigration enforcement, lawmakers are faced with a pressing challenge to justify the ongoing impasse that compounds hardships without delivering substantive reform.
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