House Appropriations committee holds a budget hearing for Dept. of Homeland Security — 4/16/26

Summary

The House Appropriations Subcommittee holds a budget hearing for the Department of Homeland Security, focusing on CBP, ICE, and USCIS. Agency heads testify about their FY2027 budget requests, the impacts of the ongoing government shutdown, and operational updates. Committee members question them on border wall construction, detention facilities, visa processing, and oversight issues.

• The hearing is for the FY2027 budget request for DHS agencies CBP, ICE, and USCIS.
• Agency heads highlight the impacts of the government shutdown, including unpaid personnel and halted contracts.
• Members discuss border wall construction, with CBP reporting it is ahead of schedule and under budget.
• Questions are raised about detention facilities, including concerns about conditions and community opposition.
• USCIS discusses visa processing times and fraud prevention efforts.
• ICE addresses its enforcement operations and the 287G program.
• The committee emphasizes the need for timely responses to oversight questions.
• The chairman notes the challenges of funding DHS through reconciliation and the importance of regular order.