Immigration raids will continue across the United States, as confirmed by Tom Homan, border czar in the Trump Administration. Despite the partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which enters its second day without a budget agreement in Congress, agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are maintaining operations. Homan emphasized on CNN that the lack of funds does not stop the mission: “Officers will not receive pay, but Trump’s immigration policy continues.”
Shutdown context and its impact
The Senate rejected a Republican bill on Thursday to fund DHS through September. Democrats blocked it for not sufficiently limiting immigration raids, which have sparked protests and two deaths of Americans in Minneapolis. The congressional recess, featuring internal divisions within the Republican party, could prolong the paralysis. DHS employs more than 270,000 people, 90% of whom remain active.
Hardline policy drives immigration raids
Affected agencies and key operations
The shutdown impacts ICE, CBP, USCIS, TSA, Coast Guard, and FEMA, but not the rest of the federal government. ICE and CBP lead the immigration raids in Democratic cities like Chicago and Los Angeles. Homan highlighted record numbers of arrests and deportations, claiming to have “the most secure border in history.” Secretary Kristi Noem is reallocating funds from the budget law to sustain these actions.
- Immigration raids in Minneapolis: Two deaths reported in recent operations.
- Historical: Previous 43-day shutdown in 2025 limited federal functions.
- Statistics: Arrests exceed previous records under Trump.
Background and reactions
This is the second paralysis in February, following a brief initial shutdown. Immigration raids form the core of Trump’s anti-immigration agenda in his second term. Experts point out that, despite protests, budget reallocation ensures continuity. Democrats criticize the lack of controls, while Republicans prioritize border security. ICE, the epicenter of the debate, operates with dedication despite pending salaries.
In target cities, tensions are escalating due to the immigration raids. Homan insists: Trump’s election mandated this hard line. While Congress negotiates, operations persist, reaffirming the Trump Administration‘s commitment to a secure border.
