United States | DHS shutdown update: Global Entry suspended

The Department of Homeland Security announced temporary emergency measures effective Feb. 22, 2026, to conserve funding and personnel during the agency’s shutdown that began Feb. 14, 2026. Impacts to travel-related services and nondisaster federal response activities include certain Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) processes.

Key takeaways:

CBP Global Entry suspended. According to the announcement, “As of 6:00 a.m. on Feb. 22, 2026, CBP, Office of Field Operations will halt all Global Entry arrival processing at participating airports.” The suspension includes reassigning CBP officers to process all other travelers not identified as Global Entry travelers. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) are instructed to proceed to their respective processing lanes for arriving U.S. citizens and LPRs. All other Global Entry members are instructed to proceed to properly marked “visitor” lanes.

CBP has provided no direct guidance or updates on its website regarding the suspension at this time.

TSA PreCheck remains operational. The announcement states, “At this time, TSA PreCheck remains operational with no change for the traveling public.” While continuing core passenger screening operations, TSA has suspended courtesy and special privilege escorts at airports.

Other measures resulting from shutdown. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has entered emergency operating status and is limiting activities to immediate lifesaving disaster response, temporarily halting nondisaster operations.

Additional information: Global Entry is a CBP Trusted Traveler Program that allows expedited clearance for preapproved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice Group.

Copyright © 2026 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.