Sen. John Fetterman and Immigration and Customs Enforcement official Todd Lyons discussed the potential impact of a Department of Homeland Security shutdown during a recent exchange, focusing on how such a move would affect ICE and other DHS components.

Fetterman began by referencing an upcoming vote that could shut down DHS, noting that while some lawmakers want changes made within the department, the broader implications needed to be considered.

“That vote's going to come about shutting down DHS, because a lot of people, including myself would like to see some changes made, but, but if that vote happens and DHS is now shut down, would that have any meaningful impact on ICE operations, because they have $75 billion from the big, beautiful bill. Is that a statement or not?” Fetterman asked.

Lyons responded that while ICE has funding, a shutdown would still affect certain operations.

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“It would impact personnel actions. And when I say to that, sir, I mean as far as, like, pay retention, our civilian workforce, non badge, gun counter carriers, it would affect that,” Lyons said.

Fetterman then broadened the discussion to other agencies housed within DHS.

“Yeah. So in other words, so if people vote to shut down, what other what other parts are in DHS? What other things?” Fetterman asked.

“Components, sir,” Lyons replied.

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Fetterman pressed further, asking specifically about other operational departments within DHS.

“No. How many, how many other operations departments are in DHS, like Coast Guard,” he said.

“Coast Guard, FEMA, CBP...” Lyons answered.

“FEMA, okay,” Fetterman responded.

“CISA,” Lyons added.

“CISA. Like cyber security?” Fetterman asked.

“Yes sir,” Lyons said.

“I mean, that's kind of important, right?” Fetterman continued.

“Yes sir,” Lyons replied.

“Then that that would shut down,” Fetterman said.

“Yes sir,” Lyons confirmed.

Fetterman also referenced the Transportation Security Administration.

“Okay, and now another one, another one also TSA,” he said.

“TSA is under DHS,” Lyons responded.

Fetterman then returned to the issue of ICE’s funding and whether a shutdown would meaningfully impact its operations.

“Okay, so if you now, if someone votes to shut the DHS down, they are not having any meaningful, functional impact on ICE, because they have unlimited money, effectively, for for right now, right?” Fetterman asked.

“Yes sir,” Lyons replied.

Fetterman argued that shutting down DHS would affect multiple critical agencies.

“Oh, you know, so you're going to punish all of these other parts, the very important parts of our government, TSA, Coast Guard, FEMA and and cyber security. That's what kind of a statement if we announce to our our enemies, like, well, our cyber security agency now we're going to be shut down if I really want to make a move. That probably makes it better. And then so is that? Is that as accurate statement?” he asked.

“It’s a fair assessment. Sir, yes sir,” Lyons responded.

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