McHenry High School's student-written and -edited newspaper

The McHenry Messenger
McHenry High School's student-written and -edited newspaper

The McHenry Messenger
McHenry High School's student-written and -edited newspaper

The McHenry Messenger

Department of Homeland Security shut down

Many congress members wanted to negotiate sufficient reforms with DHS however Congress could find an agreement or compromise leading to DHS shutting down
REUTERS/via SNO Sites/Kent Nishimura
A view of the dome of the U.S. Capitol building, during a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives on a stopgap spending bill to avert a partial government shutdown that would otherwise begin October 1, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. U.S., September 19, 2025. REUTERS/Kent Nishimura
Byline photo of Aika Villa
Aika Villa, Print Managing Editor
March 11, 2026

On Feb. 13 the Department of Homeland Security officially went on a government shutdown due to the recent issues relating to immigration enforcement policies. Other issues such as the current situation in Minneapolis where two American citizens were shot.

For three weeks, both DHS and congressional democrats were trying to make a compromise. They are demanding that ICE officers and DHS wear a uniform dress code, no longer wear masks and have warrants signed by a judge prior to the arrests.

“This DHS shutdown is happening due to disagreements on ICE/CBP reforms. Following the tragic shootings involving ICE and CBP agents in Minnesota in January 2026,” said Congressman Ed Case (D-Hawaii). “Congress extended funding for DHS until Feb. 13, 2026 to negotiate sufficient reforms as a condition of any further funding of DHS beyond that date. Unfortunately, Congress was unable to agree on a compromise, and as a result DHS is now shut down.”

If these compromises are not met the Department of Homeland Security will stay shut down until there is an agreement.

“Despite the partial shutdown, all government functions unrelated to DHS, like national defense, transportation, food and housing assistance and more, are fully funded and will continue,” Case added. “Services that are independently funded outside of the yearly appropriations cycle, such as Social Security, passports, the U.S. Postal Service operations and Medicare, continue. Federal employees and contractors employed by any agency other than DHS should be unaffected.”

There will be a few changes since the Department of Homeland Security will be facing, however, those who are employed by the Department of homeland security will be mainly affected.

“The main effects will be felt by those that are employed by and have dealings with DHS. Those that are employed by DHS will be classified as essential or non-essential,” Case said. “Essential DHS functions continue and essential DHS employees and contractors remain on the job, though without pay. Non-essential DHS functions are suspended and non-essential DHS employees are furloughed without pay. Many DHS contracts will be suspended, which will likely force private companies that do business with DHS may have to furlough their employees as well.”

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