The partial DHS funding lapse has left frontline homeland security personnel — including TSA officers — working without pay as U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets heighten fears of retaliation. DHS says it is coordinating with federal partners to monitor threats, while Republican lawmakers urged immediate funding. Democrats say they are reviewing a White House counteroffer and continue to press for immigration and ICE reforms. Reports about hits to Iran’s leadership compound circulated but remain unverified.
DHS Funding Lapse Raises Alarm as U.S. and Israel Strike Iran; Lawmakers Demand Immediate Action
Iranian worshipers hold up their hands as signs of unity with Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during an anti-Israeli rally to condemn Israel's attacks on Iran in downtown Tehran, Iran, June 20, 2025.(Getty Images)
The partial federal government shutdown has left Department of Homeland Security (DHS) personnel working without pay even as U.S. and allied strikes against Iranian targets have increased tensions and raised concerns about potential retaliatory attacks.
Saturday saw reports that U.S. and Israeli forces struck multiple Iranian sites, with some Israeli sources later claiming the strikes included the compound associated with Iran’s Supreme Leader. Those claims — including reports that the Supreme Leader had been killed — were circulated by some outlets but have not been independently verified.
DHS Coordination and Security Concerns
DHS leadership said the department is coordinating with federal intelligence and law enforcement partners to monitor emerging threats and protect the homeland. In a statement, DHS emphasized ongoing interagency cooperation and threat monitoring as global tensions escalate.
Impact of the Shutdown on Frontline Workers
Critical homeland security components are operating under strain. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers have continued to report for duty without pay; the TSA praised officers as "true models of selflessness and sacrifice." In a statement, the agency criticized congressional Democrats, saying officers were working unpaid "due to the reckless DHS shutdown," and accused some lawmakers of engaging in "political theater" that harms employees and their families.
Media reports also highlighted instances of other frontline personnel, including some Secret Service agents and immigration staff, carrying out duties despite delayed pay and reduced resources.
Lawmakers React
Republican lawmakers called for an immediate funding resolution. Rep. Daniel Meuser (R-Pa.) said Democrats "must cease the politics and must immediately fund the Department of Homeland Security," calling a funding lapse "irresponsible and dangerous" given the current international situation. Sen. David McCormick (R-Pa.) urged Democrats to drop their opposition to DHS funding, warning that continuing political games amid unfolding events in the Middle East would be "dangerous."
Some Democrats expressed concern about the strikes themselves. Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), the top Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee, told NOTUS News that the operation lacked "a clear strategy" and warned that the U.S. could be "vulnerable to ensuing terrorism attacks" following the strikes. Congressional Democratic leaders said they had received a White House counteroffer on DHS funding and were reviewing it while reiterating demands for reforms to immigration enforcement.
"We have received the White House’s counteroffer and are reviewing it closely. Democrats remain committed to keep fighting for real reforms to rein in ICE and stop the violence," Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a joint statement.
Outlook
The combination of an ongoing DHS funding lapse and heightened tensions in the Middle East has intensified scrutiny of homeland security readiness. Lawmakers on both sides say they are focused on protecting the American public, even as they remain divided over funding priorities and policy reforms. Fox News Digital and other outlets have reported that DHS was contacted for further comment.
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