Senate approves funding for TSA and most of Homeland Security, but not immigration enforcement

The deal, which the Senate approved unanimously, next goes to the House for consideration.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 9:57am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Senate early Friday morning approved Homeland Security funds to pay Transportation Security Administration agents and most other agencies, but not the immigration enforcement operations at the heart of the budget impasse that has jammed airports, disrupted travel and imposed financial hardship on workers.

Why it matters

The budget impasse over Homeland Security funding has caused major disruptions to air travel and financial hardship for TSA workers, highlighting the political divide over immigration enforcement policies under the Trump administration.

The details

The deal approved by the Senate puts no new limits on immigration enforcement, which has remained largely uninterrupted by the shutdown. The GOP's tax cuts bill from last year funneled billions in extra funds to DHS, including $75 billion for ICE operations, ensuring the immigration officers are still being paid despite the lapse in funding. However, the package does not include any of the restraints on immigration enforcement that Democrats have demanded, such as requiring federal agents to wear identification, remove face masks, and refrain from conducting raids around schools and churches.

  • The Senate approved the funding deal early Friday morning.
  • The House is expected to consider the deal on Friday.

The players

Homeland Security

The U.S. federal department responsible for public security, including immigration enforcement, border protection, and disaster response.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

A federal agency that oversees security at U.S. airports and other transportation hubs.

President Donald Trump

The President of the United States who has made immigration enforcement a key priority of his administration.

Mike Johnson

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, where the funding package will next be considered.

Markwayne Mullin

The new Secretary of Homeland Security who has said he is open to considering requiring judges to sign off before federal agents search people's homes or private spaces.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I would sign an order to immediately pay the TSA agents, saying I wanted to quickly stop the 'Chaos at the Airports.'”

— President Donald Trump

What’s next

The funding package approved by the Senate will next go to the House, where passage will almost certainly require bipartisan support as lawmakers on the left and right flanks revolt against the deal.

The takeaway

The budget impasse over Homeland Security funding has exposed the deep political divisions over immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, with Democrats pushing for more restraints on federal agents while conservatives demand full funding for ICE and border protection operations.