ICE continues border enforcement during shutdown; unauthorized crossings remain illegal, and workers will be paid retroactively.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is continuing immigration enforcement and border security operations during the 2025 government shutdown, with no changes to policies or laws. Officials confirm unauthorized border crossings remain illegal, and rumors of easier access or new asylum benefits are false. Over 200,000 DHS personnel, including border patrol agents, are working without pay, but will receive retroactive compensation under the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019 once funding resumes. The agency maintains strict enforcement and warns against attempting irregular crossings.