The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) entered a partial shutdown early on May 12, 2026, after Congress and the President failed to enact appropriations for the current fiscal year. The lapse in funding affects major DHS components, including the U.S. Coast Guard, Transportation Security Administration, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and U.S. Secret Service. Disputes over reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection, intensified by fatal January 2026 shootings in Minnesota, derailed negotiations. Essential staff must work without pay, non-essential workers are furloughed, DHS discretionary grants are frozen, and many contractors are suspending work as federal payments stop.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.