DHS Shutdown: Record-Breaking, Partisan Standoff

0:00DHS is in the middle of its longest shutdown ever, over 60 days without funding since February 14th. Democrats in the Senate held back appropriations after immigration officers shot two U.S. citizens back in January, leaving the department scrambling. This beats the previous record of 43 days that hit all government agencies last fall. Republicans and the White House stepped in with backup cash, like the $75 billion Congress approved for ICE and border protection. Last summer in a tax package, President Trump also signed memos to keep paying TSA and other DHS workers, though details on the sources stayed vague. That kept enforcement rolling despite the freeze. Lawmakers on both sides vented frustration at Thursday's hearing, calling the whole thing absurd while fighting over next year's budget too. Democrats grilled officials on detention deaths and warehouse expansions in places like Texas, where they're eyeing spots for 500 to 1,000 people. Agency heads promised better care, but dodged some specifics on oversight staff.

1:02Other DHS branches are hurting bad. FEMA can't reimburse local disaster aid. The Coast Guard faces 500 unpaid bills risking power shutoffs and TSA warns of staffing shortages, causing airport delays. USCIS wants funds for a new 200 officer fraud unit, even as their fee revenue hit $7.5 billion last year. With big events like the World Cup this summer and the 2028 Olympics looming, officials push Republicans for three-year funding. Through reconciliation by June 1st, the partisan standoff drags on, testing security and operations nationwide. That's your update from California News Today, powered by AI. I'm Cory with the story.