Kristi Noem warns DHS shutdown threatens airports and homeland security

Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Kristi Noem She warned Thursday that declining funding for her department could cripple airport security, disaster response and counterterrorism operations, escalating a partisan showdown in Congress over immigration policy.

Senate Democrats have called for tough immigration enforcement reforms, blocking several attempts Thursday to keep the agency open, even though Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) represents 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, California, to discuss ongoing drug busts.

Noem accused Democrats of sending the “wrong message,” arguing that failure to fund DHS undermines national security. Democrats said the dispute centers on immigration enforcement policies, not disaster response or transportation security.

NOEM rips Democrats for using families as ‘political weapons’ as DHS funding threatens lives off the ice

Homeland 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 Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner of CBP’s Office of Field Operations Dianne J. Sabatino, Thursday, in Otay Mesa, California. (Carlos A. Moreno/Getty Images)

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

“If we had an attack or a horrific disaster hit our country, FEMA is the agency responsible for running our government, stabilizing our country — and the Democratic Party is choosing not to fund FEMA and putting us at risk in that situation.”

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

The housing market could also see turmoil, as federally backed mortgages require national flood insurance, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Noem added that Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees, who keep the skies safe, will not receive their paychecks after Friday, leading to increased wait times at airports and safety concerns.

Senate Republicans are considering asking Democrats to split the DHS bill, shifting to a short-term extension to avoid a shutdown

Kristi Noem, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, spoke about the possibility of funding cuts on Thursday. (Luke Johnson/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

“They are expected to 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 went through a 43-day shutdown where they didn’t get paid. How often do you expect these good patriots to continue to show up and do their jobs, knowing that their paychecks won’t be taken care of and their family’s bills won’t be taken care of.”

The US Secret Service (USSS), charged with protecting current and former administration officials and visiting dignitaries, will also not be funded, along with the US. coastguard, Which addresses the effects of winter weather on the East Coast.

“The Coast Guard is now keeping rivers open on the East Coast so critical food and energy sources 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.”

“This is a dangerous situation we are in, as the Democratic Party has chosen to shut it down The department created after September 11. She continued: “This administration was created recognizing that we are vulnerable to terrorist attacks… We have a responsibility for cyber operations… pursuing terrorists who might attack our critical infrastructure, our electrical grid, our water systems, who might infiltrate and compromise our intelligence agencies and our national security operations.”

Kennedy claims ‘Karen Wing’ will punish any Democrat who votes to keep DHS open amid budget faltering

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

The CWMD lacks the legal authority to act during this period, disrupting biological detection and mail screening.

“The Democratic Party is choosing not to fund [DHS] “And it has made us extremely vulnerable to the success of these terrorists here in our homeland,” Noem said. “I hope they come to their senses and realize 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” over loudspeakers, while honking horns.

Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee Tom Cole, Republican from OklahomaHe issued a statement on Thursday afternoon, stressing the necessity of reaching an agreement.

Schumer lays out list of icy demands as White House says deal-making session ‘off-limits’ for Democrats

Demonstrators carry signs during a protest against immigration enforcement after Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem spoke at the southern border on Wednesday, in Nogales, Arizona. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

“There will be a burden on people who never asked to be part of the fight,” Cole wrote. “…And while all of these consequences are set to begin tomorrow at midnight, Senate Democrats are still prepared to board a plane out of town — rather than focusing on completing the mission they were elected to do. Traveling home or abroad while leaving the TSA in limbo is not the leadership message I want to send.”

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

Schumer and Jeffrey mend rift, present united front on DHS reforms as deadline approaches

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

“The consequences are real, and the responsibility for them at this moment is clear,” Cole wrote.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck SchumerD.N.Y., and his party demanded a list of reforms to ICE

Click here to download the FOX NEWS app

“The administration doesn’t actually want to reform ICE,” Schumer said. “They never do it alone. That’s why we need — and we’re fighting to — 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.