Johnson Criticizes Democrats Over DHS Shutdown

0:00On March 18th, House Speaker Mike Johnson has sharply criticized Democrats for causing a shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security over a dispute on immigration funding. He argues this move blocks deportations and leaves key border operations without resources, creating serious risks for national security. The conflict stems from a Democratic proposal to fund parts of the department while cutting money for customs and border protection, the nations. Biggest federal law enforcement agency with over 60,000 personnel. Johnson says this would harm efforts to secure 6,000 miles of land borders, 2,000 miles of coastline, and all ports of entry. This agency handles everything from stopping drugs, mugglers, and human traffickers to catching potential terrorists and protecting agriculture from. Invasive pests that cost the economy over $26 billion a year. People are worried about the impacts on daily travel, trade, and public safety during the standoff. Recent data shows progress under tougher enforcement, with border apprehensions in fiscal year 2025

1:03at their lowest in over 50 years. And December encounters down 92 percent from highs under the previous administration. Customs and border protection also sees 12,000 pounds of fentanyl this year tackling a top killer for adults aged 18 to 48. Meanwhile, Republicans see this as a pushback against past open-border approaches highlighting deep divides on immigration. Without full funding soon, officials warned the shutdown could lead to higher costs, reverse gains, and real dangers from unchecked threats at the U. Border