Why it could take weeks to feel the brunt of a DHS shutdown

Published February 13, 2026 7:00am ET



The Department of Homeland Security’s broad reach means that everything from disaster relief to airport security could be hampered if funding runs out on Saturday, but it might take weeks before the public feels the impact.

The dispute over how to reform the agency, sparked by the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis last month, centers on immigration enforcement. But swept up in negotiations are several sub-departments responsible for critical national security functions, including the Coast Guard and Secret Service.

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