Kristi Noem warns DHS shutdown threatens airports and homeland security

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem warned Thursday that a funding disruption to her department could disrupt airport security, disaster response and counterterrorism operations, intensifying partisan gridlock in Congress over immigration policy.

Senate Democrats have demanded tough immigration enforcement reforms and on Thursday blocked several attempts to keep the agency open, although Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) accounts for only 11% of the bill’s funding, according to Noem.

Noem’s comments came as she joined U.S. Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks and Customs and Border Protection Executive Commissioner Diane Sabatino in Otay Mesa, Calif., to discuss ongoing drug seizure operations.

Noem accused Democrats of sending “the wrong message,” arguing that failing to fund DHS compromises national security. Democrats said the dispute was over immigration enforcement policies, not disaster response or transportation safety.

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DHS Security Secretary Kristi Noem speaks during a news conference at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry, accompanied by U.S. Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks and CBP Office of Field Operations Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner Diane J. Sabatino, Thursday in Otay Mesa, California. (Carlos A. Moreno/Getty Images)

She warned that other DHS-funded agencies would see impacts from the shutdown, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

“If we were the victim of some sort of attack or terrible disaster that hit our country, FEMA would be the agency responsible for running our government and stabilizing our country – and the Democratic Party is choosing not to fund FEMA and putting us at risk in this situation.”

According to DHS, disaster grant funding may be blocked due to the FEMA GO system going offline, National Fire Academy classes will be canceled and preparedness exercises will be suspended nationwide.

The housing market could also see disruption because federally backed mortgages require national flood insurance, administered by FEMA.

Noem added that Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees who keep the skies safe will no longer be paid after Friday, leading to increased airport wait times and security concerns.

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“There’s an expectation that they’ll keep showing up. How long will you keep showing up for a job that you’re not getting paid for,” she said. “These TSA employees just endured a 43-day shutdown without getting paid. How many times do you hope that these good patriots continue to show up and do their jobs, knowing that their paychecks won’t be taken care of and their families’ bills won’t be taken care of.”

The United States Secret Service (USSS), which is responsible for protecting current and former administration officials and visiting dignitaries, will also not receive funding, as will the US Coast Guard, which deals with the aftermath of winter conditions on the East Coast.

“The Coast Guard is currently keeping rivers open on the East Coast so critical sources of food and energy can reach our largest cities,” Noem said. “…What you’re saying by not funding the Coast Guard is that the Democratic Party doesn’t think it’s important that people eat, that they stay warm, or that our national security is protected.”

“We find ourselves in a dangerous situation, since the Democratic Party has chosen to close the department that was created after 9/11. This department was created in recognition that we are vulnerable to terrorist attacks,” she continued. “…We are responsible for cyber operations…and for pursuing terrorists who would attack our critical infrastructure, our power grid, our water systems, who would hack into our intelligence agencies and our national security operations.”

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U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks speaks during a news conference with DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, left, at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry Thursday in Otay Mesa, California. (Pool)

The Office of Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) does not have the legal authority to operate during this time, disrupting biosensing and mail screening.

“The Democratic Party chooses not to finance [DHS] and making us very vulnerable to the success of these terrorists here in our country,” Noem said. “I hope they come to their senses, recognize that the American people need to come first and have a political discussion.”

During Noem’s plea for critical funding, anti-ICE protesters gathered nearby chanting “shame, shame” through megaphones, while honking their horns.

House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, R-Oklahoma, issued a statement Thursday afternoon emphasizing the urgency of a deal.

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Protesters held signs during a demonstration against immigration enforcement operations after DHS Secretary Kristi Noem spoke Wednesday at the southern border in Nogales, Arizona. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

“There will be a burden to bear, and the price will be paid by people who never asked to take part in the fight,” Cole wrote. “…And even though all of these consequences are set to begin at midnight tomorrow, Senate Democrats are still ready to hop on a plane out of town – instead of focusing on doing the job they were elected to do. Flying home or abroad while leaving the TSA in limbo is not the message of leadership I would like to send.”

He added that the House has “acted in good faith at all times,” as the House and Senate previously reached a bipartisan, bicameral agreement to finalize all appropriations bills for the 2026 fiscal year.

After helping negotiate the deal, Senate Democrats changed it at the last minute, undermining DHS funding.

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“The consequences are real and the accountability at this time is clear,” Cole wrote.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and his caucus have demanded a slate of ICE reforms.

“The administration doesn’t actually want to reform ICE,” Schumer said. “They never do it on their own. That’s why we need — and we’re fighting for — legislation to rein in ICE and stop the violence.”

The Democratic Strategic Communications Committee did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.