Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has assured the public that immigration enforcement will remain strict despite the ongoing government shutdown.
“Rumors that a U.S. government shutdown will allow illegal immigrants to enter the United States are FALSE,” ICE said in a post on X. “U.S. immigration laws and enforcement efforts remain unchanged. Border security and enforcement efforts remain strict, and crossing the border without authorization remains a crime.” The post included a graphic stating, “During a government shutdown, the U.S. will defend its borders.”
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem echoed the message on social media, emphasizing that DHS will continue operating during the shutdown.
“Our [Department of Homeland Security] law enforcement officers will continue to work throughout the Democrats’ Shutdown to make sure our homeland is safe and secure. More than 200,000 of these patriots will go without pay,” Noem said on Tuesday.
“The Democrats will be forcing over 150,000 officers and nearly 50,000 members of the military—our frontline of defense—to continue protecting our nation without pay,” she added.
While law enforcement personnel will temporarily go without pay, federal regulations require that all essential and furloughed employees receive retroactive pay once the shutdown ends, according to a report by Fox News.
The government entered a shutdown on Wednesday after lawmakers failed to reach a funding agreement by midnight. The length of the shutdown remains uncertain.
