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🎧 Iran’s Defense Council said Monday that the only way for “non-belligerent” countries to pass through the Strait of Hormuz is through coordination with Iran, and warned that any attack on Iran’s coasts or islands would trigger mine-laying across the Gulf sea lanes. As the war enters its fourth week and attacks escalate, some Iranians tell NPR’s Emily Feng that the internet blackout is really scary because they cannot receive warnings about where the next strikes will be.

🎧 Both parties have remained deeply divided since the DHS ran out of funds on Feb. 14, NPR’s Claudia Grisales says. Democrats have been demanding significant reforms for immigration enforcement agents, including the removal of their masks, which has become a key point of contention for Republicans. The standoff has resulted in delayed paychecks for several DHS components, including employees at the Transportation Security Administration, contributing to long airport lines. Republicans, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, say they've made offers that Democrats should accept. But Democrats insist that the GOP needs to fund all DHS components instead of focusing solely on immigration issues.
➡️ Families are increasingly unable to communicate with loved ones in immigration detention due to the ongoing DHS shutdown, a Texas Democrat says. 
➡️ Travel experts advise passengers to prepare for delays and remain patient amid the shutdown. Transportation officials warn that the situation may worsen if it is not resolved. Here’s what to know if you’re flying.

🎧 White House border czar Tom Homan, who is leading the ICE deployment to airports, says he is still crafting a plan. He said agents will monitor entry and exit points at the nation's busiest airports. Homan clarified to CNN that ICE agents won’t be involved in specialized airport security. But Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy created some confusion after suggesting to ABC News that they might work TSA security lines. This mixed messaging has sparked questions about the agents' roles at the airports, NPR’s Luke Garrett says. Homan also noted that ICE has previously enforced immigration at airports, and this new deployment doesn't change that mission.