DHS Halts TSA PreCheck and Global Entry as Partial Shutdown Begins Feb. 14
Updated (2 articles)
Shutdown Triggers Immediate Suspension of Trusted‑Traveler Programs The Department of Homeland Security announced on Sunday, Feb. 22, that TSA PreCheck and Global Entry will be temporarily halted because a partial government shutdown began at 6 a.m. ET on Feb. 14, and the Washington Post broke the story first [1][2].
Secretary Kristi Noem Cites Security Risks and Unpaid Staff DHS Secretary Kristi Noem warned that the shutdown endangers national security, forces TSA and Customs and Border Protection employees to work without pay, and requires “tough but necessary” actions such as suspending courtesy escorts for travelers [1][2].
FEMA Redirects Resources Ahead of Imminent Winter Storm FEMA will pause all non‑disaster response activities to concentrate on an approaching winter storm forecast to impact the Mid‑Atlantic and Northeast, illustrating the shutdown’s ripple effect on emergency services [1][2].
Travel Delays Expected as Staffing Levels Drop Reduced TSA staffing may lengthen security lines at smaller airports and slow checked‑baggage screening, while air‑traffic controllers remain unaffected; the current suspension contrasts with the 43‑day full shutdown from Oct. 1 to Nov. 12 2025, when trusted‑traveler programs continued operating [1][2].
Sources
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1.
WBNS: DHS Suspends TSA PreCheck, Global Entry Amid Partial Shutdown: reports DHS halt, Noem’s security warning, FEMA redirection, funding impasse details, immigration‑related deaths prompting Democratic demands, and travel disruption expectations
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2.
King5: DHS suspends TSA PreCheck, Global Entry as partial shutdown begins: mirrors DHS announcement, adds note that previous full shutdown left programs untouched, emphasizes expert advice for travelers, and repeats funding failure specifics
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Timeline
Oct 1 – Nov 12, 2025 – A 43‑day full government shutdown runs because expired Affordable Care Act health‑plan funds halt funding, yet TSA PreCheck and Global Entry keep operating, highlighting how the later suspension is unprecedented [1][2].
Jan 2026 – Federal officers fatally shoot Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis, spurring Democratic calls for immigration‑enforcement reforms amid the shutdown debate [1].
Feb 14, 2026 – A partial DHS shutdown begins after Congress and President Donald Trump’s team cannot agree on a bill to fund DHS through September, extending the funding impasse from the previous shutdown [1][2].
Feb 22, 2026 – DHS temporarily halts the TSA PreCheck and Global Entry trusted‑traveler programs, marking the first shutdown‑related suspension of these services and affecting millions of travelers [1][2].
Feb 22, 2026 – DHS Secretary Kristi Noem warns the shutdown “endangers national security” and describes the suspension of courtesy escorts as “tough but necessary,” while noting TSA and CBP staff must work without pay [1][2].
Feb 22, 2026 – FEMA pauses all non‑disaster response activities to concentrate on an imminent winter storm forecast to strike the Mid‑Atlantic and Northeast, redirecting resources amid the shutdown [1][2].
Feb 22, 2026 onward – TSA officers continue working unpaid, and reduced staffing raises the risk of longer security lines and delayed checked‑baggage screening, prompting travelers to arrive early and avoid prohibited items [1][2].