DHS Showdown: ICE Keeps Deporting While Democrats Risk Airport Chaos
By Michael Ioane
Structure and Entity Consultant
January 29, 2026
Picture: Congress is racing against a shutdown clock on one funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Republicans already gave ICE a huge pile of money last year, so deportations won’t stop. Democrats want to add rules to slow ICE down, but they’re risking mess-ups everywhere else, like long lines at airports. A quick two-week funding patch (called a CR) might save most of the government but leave DHS hanging. Here’s why Republicans hold all the cards.
Step 1: What Republicans Did Right Last Year
In summer 2025, Republicans passed the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” It gave ICE $75 billion extra to lock up and deport criminals’ money, which ICE can use until 2029, on top of its normal $10 billion a year.
House Democrats even said it themselves: If regular funding stops, “ICE keeps working exactly the same.” Why? ICE uses simple “administrative warrants” (signed by its own bosses, not judges) for 90% of arrests. That’s how deportations have worked for 40 years. No new money? No problem with ICE.
Step 2: The Big DHS Bill Everyone’s Fighting Over
DHS isn’t just ICE. This $64 billion bill pays for:
- ICE (deportations inside the U.S.)
- Border Patrol (stops at the border)
- TSA (airport security checks)
- FEMA (help after hurricanes or floods)
- Coast Guard (boat rescues and patrols)
- Secret Service (protects the president)
Democrats want small changes to ICE: Cut $115 million, drop 5,500 jail beds, add body cameras, and make reports on the money. Sounds reasonable? Sure, but they’re blocking the whole bill to get it.
Step 3: What Happens If They Don’t Agree? (Shutdown Pain)
If the bill fails after a short CR, DHS partly shut down. ICE? Fine, thanks to that $75 billion. Border Patrol? Mostly okay. But:
| What Shuts Down | What It Means for You |
| TSA | Fewer workers = hours in airport lines |
| FEMA | Slower help for floods or fires |
| Coast Guard | Fewer boat rescues |
| Secret Service | Less protection at big events |
| ICE | Keep arresting criminals—no change |
Democrats say this protects against ICE “abuses.” But it hurts everyday Americans while criminals walk free in sanctuary cities that ignore ICE calls.
Step 4: Sanctuary Cities—The Real Problem Democrats Ignore
Sanctuary cities (like some in California or New York) let criminal illegal immigrants go instead of handing them over to ICE. Rapists, gang members, killers, back on the streets. Republicans want to fix this: Cut their federal money (like police grants or disaster aid) unless they cooperate.
That’s the smart trade: Democrats get body cams (looks good on TV). Republicans kill sanctuary protection for bad guys. Voters love it, polls show 2-to-1 support for deporting criminals.
Step 5: Why Republicans Can Say “Pound Sand”
ICE’s money pile means Republicans aren’t scared. “Shut down DHS? Go ahead,” they can tell Democrats. Deportation keeps going. TSA mess? Blame game on Dems. In two weeks, Republicans demand: End sanctuary cash or no deal.
Democrats look weak, risking your safety for illegal protections. Republicans look strong: Law, order, America first.
The Endgame: GOP Wins Big
This two-week CR is just a pause. Republicans planned smart. Democrats chase symbols. Sanctuary cities fall, ICE ramps up, safety returns. Law wins.
About the Author
Michael Ioane is a structure and entity consultant with more than 35 years of experience writing and speaking on trusts, private governance, unincorporated associations, and asset-protection concepts. His work focuses on the constitutional and common-law foundations of private structures, fiduciary principles, and lawful private collaboration.
Michael Ioane is the author of several books and educational materials addressing trusts, private associations, and alternative governance frameworks, available at https://michaelioane.com.