House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., speaks to the media next to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., at the White House in Washington, D.C., Sept. 29, 2025. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)
"Most of OIG’s audits, inspections, and similar reviews … are paused during the lapse in appropriations. A small number of OIG audits related to disaster relief continue because they are supported by an extant appropriation," the spokesperson said.
"OIG’s Criminal Investigators are excepted from furlough and are continuing their work during the lapse. OIG does not publicly confirm or deny the existence of any particular criminal investigation."
Probes that have been paused include determining "whether ICE investigates allegations of use of excessive force and holds personnel accountable" and conducting "unannounced inspections to assess compliance with ICE detention standards and ensure safe, secure, and humane conditions of confinement," according to the spokesperson.
GOVERNMENT TO SHUT DOWN AT MIDNIGHT AFTER DEMS, WHITE HOUSE FAIL TO STRIKE DHS DEAL
An investigation into whether Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents are conducting domestic U.S. operations in accordance with DHS policies and federal law has also been halted.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conduct immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis, Jan. 28, 2026. (Madison Thorn/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Democrats reportedly sent back their own counteroffer to Republicans this week, but there appears to be little movement on either side toward an agreement.
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Two of Democrats' biggest demands, requiring judicial warrants to execute ICE enforcement action and banning masks for ICE agents while requiring clearly accessible identification, have been panned as non-starters by Republicans.
In addition to affecting ICE oversight, a lengthy DHS shutdown also threatens funding for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), among other offices within DHS.
Elizabeth Elkind is a politics reporter for Fox News Digital leading coverage of the House of Representatives. Previous digital bylines seen at Daily Mail and CBS News.
Follow on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to elizabeth.elkind@fox.com
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/democrats-dhs-shutdown-halts-ice-oversight-demanded