Funding lapse puts DHS oversight of immigration crackdown at risk

The partial government shutdown threatens DHS oversight as funding gaps force the inspector general to suspend about 85% of audits, evaluations and inspections. Eight active probes into the Trump-era immigration crackdown—including facial recognition use and alleged excessive force—could be delayed or halted. Democrats demand reforms (body cameras, ID numbers, transparency) before funding, but Republicans and the White House resist some provisions, likely leaving DHS unfunded for at least 10 days. With roughly 60% of the OIG workforce furloughed, ongoing investigations and oversight of agencies like ICE, CBP, and even cybersecurity reviews could be stymied, raising concerns about independence and accountability during the shutdown.