The year 2026 was marked by two significant federal government shutdowns, both rooted in a political impasse over immigration enforcement reforms following the killing of Alex Pretti by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents. The first shutdown was a broad, short-lived lapse, while the second specifically targeted the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and caused substantial disruptions to national travel.
The First Shutdown (January 31 – February 3, 2026)
The first shutdown lasted four days and affected approximately half of the federal government, including the Departments of State, Treasury, Defense, and Transportation. This shutdown occurred because the House of Representatives failed to approve a funding package before the January 31 deadline, despite the Senate having passed it the day before.
The crisis began when Senate Democrats withdrew support for the DHS funding bill after the death of Alex Pretti on January 24, 2026. Negotiations eventually led to a compromise: a package that funded five of the six outstanding appropriations bills while providing a two-week continuing resolution for the DHS to allow for further reform negotiations. President Trump signed this bill on February 3, ending the broad shutdown.
The Second Shutdown (February 14, 2026 – Present)
The second shutdown began on February 14, 2026, after lawmakers failed to reach a deal during the two-week negotiating period. Unlike the first, this shutdown only affects the Department of Homeland Security. The deadlock was solidified when both the House and Senate left for a scheduled one-week recess without passing further funding.
Significant Impacts on Travel and Security
As the second shutdown progressed, the DHS took the unprecedented step of suspending the TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs nationwide on February 22, 2026. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated this was a "tough but necessary" decision to prioritize the general traveling population in standard security lanes over expedited programs during the funding lapse.
Key impacts include:
• Airport Congestion: Millions of enrolled travelers were forced to use standard security and customs lines, leading to significantly longer wait times.
• Workforce Strain: Approximately 95% of TSA employees (roughly 63,000 agents) are considered "essential" and must work without pay. A prolonged shutdown risks increased employee call-outs and attrition, which further exacerbates security backups.
• FEMA and Coast Guard: While FEMA's Disaster Relief Fund had enough money for 1–2 months, the administration ordered the suspension of deployment for hundreds of disaster aid workers to focus exclusively on immediate preparedness.
• Passport Control: CBP officers at passport control are also working without pay, contributing to delays at international terminals.
Political Impasse and Demands
The conflict centers on a list of immigration reforms proposed by Democrats, which includes requirements for judicial warrants before agents enter private property, bans on paramilitary gear, and mandatory body cameras. Republicans have criticized these demands as "excessive" and have countered with proposals to require local governments to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. Some fiscal conservatives in the GOP also opposed the funding deals because they sought deeper spending cuts.
As of late February 2026, the shutdown continues with no clear resolution as both parties remain entrenched in their positions regarding the future of federal immigration enforcement.


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