This article is based on an official press release from the Department of Homeland Security.

DHS Implements Emergency Measures as Shutdown Enters Second Week

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the immediate implementation of “emergency measures” to conserve resources as the partial government shutdown enters its second week. In an official press release issued on February 22, 2026, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem outlined significant operational changes affecting the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Effective as of 6:00 AM ET on February 22, the department has suspended non-essential services to prioritize life-saving missions and national security. The funding lapse, which began on February 14, 2026, has forced the agency to reallocate personnel and resources. Secretary Noem explicitly framed the decision as a necessary response to what the department terms “Democrats’ Shutdown,” citing a lack of appropriated funds from Congress.

These measures arrive at a critical moment, coinciding with a severe winter storm forecast to impact the Northeast United States. The operational shifts are expected to have immediate effects on disaster response capabilities, international travel processing, and congressional privileges at the nation’s Airports.

Operational Impacts on Safety and Travel

The emergency measures target specific areas of DHS operations where resources can be diverted to core security functions. According to the DHS announcement, the primary goal is to mitigate risk while operating without a confirmed budget.

FEMA Shifts to Life-Saving Response Only

With a major winter storm bearing down on the I-95 corridor, including Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston, FEMA has been directed to halt all non-disaster-related response efforts. The agency will exclusively focus on immediate threats to life, public health, and safety.

This restriction limits FEMA’s ability to perform long-term recovery work or administrative support during the blizzard conditions expected between February 21 and 23. Resources are being strictly prioritized for active emergency response to ensure that personnel are available for the most critical incidents.

Global Entry Suspended; PreCheck Remains Active

Travelers returning to the United States will face immediate changes at customs. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has suspended the Global Entry program. Officers who typically staff these expedited processing lanes have been reassigned to process the general traveling population. This move aims to manage staffing shortages caused by the furloughing of non-essential support staff.

While initial reports suggested that TSA PreCheck might also be suspended, the Transportation Security Administration clarified its stance following industry feedback. PreCheck remains operational for now, though the agency warned that service availability could be adjusted on a “case-by-case basis” depending on staffing levels at individual airports.

Context of the Political Standoff

The current funding lapse represents the second government shutdown of 2026, following a brief closure earlier in the year. The stalemate is rooted in a deep political divide regarding immigration enforcement and accountability for federal agents.

Origins of the Dispute

The shutdown began on February 14, 2026, after Congress failed to pass funding legislation for the DHS. The legislative gridlock stems from demands by Congressional Democrats for significant reforms to immigration enforcement tactics. These demands follow two high-profile fatal shootings of U.S. citizens by federal agents in Minneapolis earlier this year: the January 7 death of Renée Good and the January 24 death of Alex Pretti.

In her statement regarding the emergency measures, Secretary Noem criticized the legislative holdout, emphasizing the operational strain on the department.

“This is the third time that Democrat politicians have shut down this department during the 119th Congress. Shutdowns have real world consequences… The American people depend on this department every day, and we are making tough but necessary workforce and resource decisions to mitigate the damage inflicted by these politicians.”

, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, via official press release

Congressional Privileges Revoked

In a move that directly impacts lawmakers, the TSA has suspended all courtesy and family police escorts for Members of Congress at airports. The DHS rationale for this decision is that these escorts divert essential staff away from the critical mission of screening the general public. By eliminating this privilege, the department states it can better allocate its limited workforce to passenger security checkpoints.

AirPro News Analysis

The specific selection of emergency measures suggests a strategy that goes beyond simple resource conservation. By suspending Global Entry, a program popular with frequent business travelers, and revoking congressional escorts, the DHS appears to be targeting operational pain points that will be immediately felt by influential constituencies and lawmakers themselves.

Furthermore, the timing of the FEMA restriction is significant. By announcing a “life-saving only” limitation during a major winter storm, the department underscores the tangible risks of the funding lapse to the public. This approach places heightened pressure on Congress to resolve the standoff, as the visible degradation of airport efficiency and disaster readiness creates political urgency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is TSA PreCheck suspended?
No. Although initial discussions suggested a suspension, TSA has clarified that PreCheck remains operational. However, travelers should be prepared for potential closures at specific checkpoints due to staffing shortages.

How does this affect the winter storm response?
FEMA is prioritizing immediate life-saving efforts. Long-term recovery projects and non-emergency administrative functions are paused to ensure resources are available for the blizzard impacting the Northeast.

Why was Global Entry suspended?
CBP officers assigned to Global Entry have been redeployed to general customs lines to help process the broader volume of travelers, compensating for workforce limitations during the shutdown.

Sources

• Department of Homeland Security