US Government Shutdown Hits Law Enforcement, Prisons - Congressman Nadler

WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 19th January, 2019) US law enforcement is severely undermined by a partial shutdown of the Federal government, now nearly one month old, incoming Chair of the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee Jerrold Nadler warned in a report.

"The Trump shutdown has significantly impacted the federal government's ability to enforce the law, provide civil justice, and promote public health and safety," Nadler said on Friday in the introduction of the report, which detailed more than 20 consequences in the first 28 days of the government shutdown.

For example, nearly 5,000 FBI employees, including some special agents, intelligence analysts and support staff, have been furloughed, the report said.

Prison guards - many of whom face daily the possibility of injury - are calling in sick and being replaced by secretaries and janitors, the report added.

"As a result of staffing shortfalls, many remaining corrections officers are working double shifts, and other prison employees such as secretaries, janitors, and teachers are providing security," the report said.

Federal courts face possible disruption due to funding shortfalls, and an 800,000 case backlog for immigration judges, which extends years into the future, is likely to grow, the report claimed.

The shutdown stems from President Donald Trump's demand for money to continue building a wall on the US border with Mexico and congressional Democrats' refusal to discuss funding the proposed border barrier.

A refusal by both sides to negotiate a compromise on Friday increases the likelihood that the shutdown will extend to a second month on Monday.