A limited government shutdown in the United States commenced on Saturday due to the inability of Congress and the White House to reach an agreement on new federal immigration policies. This marks the third shutdown during Donald Trump's tenure. The shutdown specifically impacts agencies under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which employs about 13% of the federal civilian workforce. Notably, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), responsible for screening airline passengers, is among the affected entities.

Lawmakers have now left Washington, D.C. for a recess that will last 10 days, casting doubt on the immediate resolution of the shutdown. Nevertheless, Republican leaders have expressed their intention to continue negotiations and have signaled their willingness to reconvene if a deal is reached. This situation is reminiscent of a previous shutdown that lasted a record 43 days in November, highlighting ongoing issues regarding federal funding and immigration.

Despite the lapse in funding for the DHS, the impact on the department's operations is expected to be manageable, with minimal disruption in services being projected. However, travelers may experience some effects related to TSA operations, raising concerns about the potential implications of prolonged negotiations and their impact on national security and public safety during travel periods.