February 27, 2026
DHS Funding Lapse Continues Following State of the Union Address
On February 24, 2026, President Trump delivered the State of the Union address that outlined his administration’s priorities, including immigration enforcement, the economy, tariffs, health care costs, election policy, and national security. The speech took place while the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is currently without funding. During the address, the president urged Congress to pass a bill to restore DHS funding.
DHS has been without funding since February 14, 2026, after Congress failed to pass a spending bill before funding expired. As in past government shutdowns, essential employees are required to continue working, while some other activities may be limited or paused.
Lawmakers are currently negotiating both on how much funding DHS should receive and whether any policy changes related to immigration enforcement should be included in an appropriations bill. A Senate funding proposal did not move forward before the State of the Union, and discussions are still ongoing. It is unclear whether Congress will pass a short-term funding bill or a full-year budget.
DHS includes several agencies that work closely with state and local public safety partners and are considered essential, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the United States Coast Guard (USCG), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the United States Secret Service (USSS), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
The IACP will continue monitoring developments and assessing any potential impacts on policing programs, grants, and other federal public safety activities.
Nominee and Appointment Developments
- Robert Cekada, nominee for Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF): The President renominated Cekada on January 13, 2026, and the nomination was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. He appeared before the committee for his nomination hearing on February 4. He is expected to have another committee hearing on March 5.
- Mike Fullerton, was appointed Assistant Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Office of State and Local Law Enforcement (OSLLE): Fullerton was appointed to lead OSLLE, bringing prior experience as the office’s executive director from its creation in 2007 through 2009. OSLLE serves as a trusted resource, advocate, and liaison for state, local, tribal, territorial, and campus law enforcement within DHS.
Upcoming Congressional Hearings
Tuesday, March 3
Oversight of the Department of Homeland Security | 9:00 a.m., 106 DSOB Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing | Link to hearing
Lost and Exploited: Confronting Child Trafficking and the Failure to Protect America’s Most Vulnerable | 2:30 p.m., 226 DSOB Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing | Link to hearing
Wednesday, March 4
Oversight of the Department of Homeland Security | 10:00 a.m., 2141 RHOB House Judiciary Committee Hearing | Link to hearing
