US Global Entry Program to Resume Amid DHS Shutdown The Trump administration announced on March 11, 2026, that the Global Entry program would be reinstated, restoring a fast-track system for international travelers that had been suspended during a partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security. The decision came as the funding dispute over the agency entered its fourth week, with officials stating the move aimed to reduce disruptions caused by the ongoing government standoff. A DHS spokesperson confirmed the reactivation of Global Entry, set for March 11 at 5:00 AM ET, emphasizing efforts to address the challenges faced by travelers. The program, which allows preapproved citizens and lawful permanent residents to bypass standard passport-control lines using automated kiosks, had been halted on February 22 after the department’s funding lapsed on February 14. At the time, lawmakers failed to agree on a spending bill, leading to the shutdown. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had previously directed personnel to prioritize security operations at airports and ports of entry, shifting resources away from the Global Entry program. This decision was quickly reversed for the TSA PreCheck program, but Global Entry remained suspended. The suspension drew criticism from Democratic lawmakers and industry groups, who argued it compromised both security and efficiency. The funding lapse stemmed from a broader political dispute over immigration enforcement. Democrats in Congress sought to impose new restrictions on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including requiring judicial warrants for certain home arrests, mandating visible identification for agents, and limiting the use of face coverings during operations.#dhs #global_entry_program #kristi_noem #us_travel_association #tsa_precheck_program
Homeland Security Secretary's Testimony Sparks Debate on Executive Power and Due Process Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s recent congressional testimony has drawn significant scrutiny over her portrayal of executive authority, particularly her use of the term “domestic terrorist” to describe two Americans killed by federal agents in Minneapolis. The hearing highlighted tensions between the government’s power to label individuals as threats and the constitutional safeguards designed to prevent unilateral judgments. Noem faced repeated questioning about her refusal to retract the label, despite calls for restraint until evidence is fully reviewed. During the testimony, Noem maintained that her statements were based on preliminary reports from agents on the ground, emphasizing the chaotic nature of the situation. However, critics argue that such field reports do not replace the legal process required to determine guilt. The term “domestic terrorist” carries immense weight, implying that an individual is an enemy of the state, a classification that bypasses due process. Noem’s insistence on the label, even as she acknowledged the investigation was ongoing, raised concerns about the government’s ability to act without judicial oversight. The legal framework in the U.S. requires a structured process: accusations are the start, not the end, of determining guilt. Prosecutors file charges, judges assess probable cause, and juries decide outcomes. This separation of powers, enshrined in the Constitution, aims to prevent abuse by ensuring no single branch holds unchecked authority. Noem’s testimony, however, suggested a view of executive power that blurs these boundaries.#kristi_noem #minneapolis #homeland_security_secretary #hamdi_v_rumsfeld #sandra_day_oconnor
Kristi Noem's congressional testimony before the House Judiciary Committee highlighted intense scrutiny of her Department of Homeland Security (DHS) policies, with Democratic lawmakers pressing her on immigration enforcement, leadership decisions, and controversial practices. The hearing, part of a series of oversight sessions, unfolded amid ongoing congressional debates over fully funding the agency. Democrats focused on Corey Lewandowski, Noem’s special adviser, questioning his qualifications and role in the department. Rep. Sydney Kalmager-Dove cited a Wall Street Journal report alleging Trump rejected Lewandowski’s request to become Noem’s chief of staff due to a reported romantic relationship. Both Noem and Lewandowski denied the affair. Kalmager-Dove challenged Noem directly, asking if she had sexual relations with Lewandowski. Noem dismissed the inquiry as "tabloid garbage," emphasizing Lewandowski’s status as a White House employee. Rep. Jamie Raskin criticized Noem for her defense of using luxury jets for DHS operations, including a story about a "blankie" left on a plane. Raskin mocked the incident, suggesting Lewandowski’s actions reflected arrogance and contempt, and questioned Noem’s judgment in allowing such practices. The exchange escalated tensions, with Noem’s husband present in the gallery. Rep. Eric Swalwell confronted Noem about the deportation of Miguel Lopez, a U.S. resident married to an American citizen. Swalwell described Lopez’s struggles after being deported, noting his lack of employment and communication challenges. Noem responded by highlighting the consequences of illegal immigration, citing tragedies like drug-related deaths and accidents involving undocumented drivers. The hearing reached a peak when Rep.#kristi_noem #house_judiciary_committee #corey_lewandowski #sydney_kalmager_dove #james_raskin
