DHS Shutdown Won't Slow ICE Operations in Pasadena

Federal officials say immigration enforcement will continue despite budget impasse

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Department of Homeland Security shutdown that began on February 15, 2026 will not reduce Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Pasadena or elsewhere, according to federal officials and members of Congress from both parties. ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) received $140 billion in funding last year that operates independently of the annual spending bills now stalled in Congress, allowing the agencies to continue their work uninterrupted.

Why it matters

The ICE raids that have gripped Pasadena since last summer, with federal agents detaining residents at bus stops, parking lots, and near schools, have been a source of fear and tension in the community. The City Council has formally condemned the raids, but the shutdown's leverage over ICE appears limited.

The details

While the DHS shutdown could carry consequences for Pasadena and Altadena residents still recovering from the Eaton Fire, with FEMA warning of delays in reimbursements and hazard-mitigation grants, the impact on ICE operations is expected to be minimal. TSA agents at local airports will also continue screening passengers without pay, raising concerns about potential staffing shortages as the busy spring break travel season approaches.

  • The DHS shutdown began at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
  • Congress left Washington for a weeklong Presidents Day recess and is not scheduled to return until February 23, 2026, one day before President Trump's scheduled State of the Union address.

The players

Tom Cole

Republican Congressman and Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.

Todd Lyons

Acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

John Fetterman

Democratic Senator from Pennsylvania, the only Democrat to vote with Republicans on the DHS funding bill.

Gregg Phillips

Associate Administrator of FEMA's Office of Response and Recovery.

Ha Nguyen McNeill

Acting Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

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What they’re saying

“The things they want to shut down aren't going to shut down. ICE is fully funded. The Border Patrol is fully funded.”

— Tom Cole, Republican Congressman and Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee (NBC News)

“Shutting DHS down has zero impact and zero changes for ICE. But it will hit FEMA, Coast Guard, TSA and our Cybersecurity Agency.”

— John Fetterman, Democratic Senator from Pennsylvania (The Hill)

“In the 45 days I've been here … we have spent $3 billion in 45 days on 5,000 projects. We're going as fast as we can. We're committed to reducing the backlog. I can't go any faster than we actually are. And if this lapses, that's going to stop.”

— Gregg Phillips, Associate Administrator of FEMA's Office of Response and Recovery (Fox News)

“Twelve weeks later, some are just recovering from the financial impact of the 43-day shutdown. We cannot put them through another such experience.”

— Ha Nguyen McNeill, Acting Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) (ABC News)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.