The partial shutdown of the US federal government has now become the longest in American history, reaching 44 days on Sunday. Lawmakers in Washington remain at an impasse over funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which is responsible for airport security, immigration, and emergency management. This surpasses the previous record for a government funding lapse, which ended in November 2025.
The shutdown is causing big problems at airports. There are not enough Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers. This is making security lines move very slowly. Many TSA workers have gone without pay, and some have quit or called in sick. So far, about 500 officers have left their jobs. On Friday alone, more than 3,500 TSA staff did not report to work, representing over 12% of the agency’s workforce. Videos showing long lines of travelers have circulated widely on social media, raising concerns about the country’s ability to co-host the World Cup starting in June.
White House border official Tom Homan said TSA employees should begin receiving pay early next week, after President Donald Trump signed an order to release funds. However, there is uncertainty over whether this executive action will face legal challenges, as the Constitution gives Congress the authority to approve government spending. Speaking on Air Force One, Trump said he was willing to pay TSA workers for as long as needed but urged Congress to approve a funding bill.
Homan also noted that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, who have been deployed to airports to assist with security disruptions, would continue to remain until airports are fully operational. “We need to secure those airports,” he said. “ICE is there to help our brothers and sisters in TSA.” The length of ICE’s stay will hinge on the number of TSA officers who resume work after receiving their pay.
The political standoff shows little sign of resolution. Congress is currently on a two-week recess and left without a deal. Lawmakers were unable to reach an agreement on reopening DHS, which has remained closed since 14 February. Last week, the Senate passed a compromise bill that would partially fund the department and help reduce airport delays. However, House Republicans rejected the Senate plan, instead passing a short-term bill to fully fund DHS. Senate Democrats have opposed the short-term measure, citing concerns over immigration policies and ICE practices, particularly regarding the potential negative impact on immigrant communities and the prioritisation of enforcement over humanitarian considerations. Meanwhile, House Republicans insist on including immigration enforcement funding and voter ID requirements in any deal.
Trump has repeatedly urged Congress to act. When asked if he would approve a bill excluding immigration funding, he emphasised, “ICE is vital to the well-being of our country,” and criticised Democrats for prolonging the shutdown.
The ongoing dispute has left TSA officers unsure about their jobs. This dispute is causing longer lines and travel delays. The public is growing frustrated. Airports are struggling and they rely on ICE officers to keep order. The partial government shutdown has no clear end. It is affecting airport security and other DHS work, like disaster response and immigration management.
