The Department of Homeland Security is operating with a lapse in federal funding while Congress remains in recess, marking what some describe as the longest shutdown of a federal department in U.S. history.

Senate Republicans are developing a budget reconciliation package that would fund DHS for the next three years without requiring Democratic support. The legislation aims to ensure continued funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), along with other critical agencies within the department.

Despite the funding gap, essential DHS operations are continuing. ICE officers are proceeding with deportation operations while also being deployed to assist with airport security screening lines across the country. The Transportation Security Administration has begun paying airport security workers during the funding lapse.

The Department of Homeland Security recently lifted a total ban on reviewing asylum applications that had affected millions of cases. However, the pause on asylum reviews remains in effect for approximately 40 countries. The asylum review pause had been implemented following an incident involving the D.C. National Guard.

The funding impasse has created tensions within the Republican Party, with disagreements over legislative strategy while much of the Homeland Security Department operates without appropriated funds. Congress has made no immediate moves to resolve the funding gap during its current recess period.