Funding for the Department of Homeland Security expired at midnight on February 14, 2026, after lawmakers failed to reach an agreement.
Congress adjourned for a weeklong recess without passing a bill, marking the third partial government shutdown during President Donald Trump’s second term. The lapse impacted only DHS, as other federal agencies received full-year funding earlier.
Democrats Demand Reforms
Senate Democrats insisted on reforms to immigration enforcement practices before approving funds. They sought changes after federal agents fatally shot two US citizens, Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good, during protests in Minneapolis in January 2026.
Proposed reforms included tighter warrant requirements, unmasking officers, and ending roving patrols. Republicans largely rejected these demands.
Negotiations Stall
The White House presented offers, but Democrats turned them down. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer labeled the latest proposal “not serious, plain and simple.”
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated that Democrats prepared a counterproposal for the White House. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he would recall lawmakers if negotiators agreed, but he kept the recess intact.
Impacts on Operations
Over 90 percent of DHS’s 272,000 employees continued working without pay, focusing on essential missions. A DHS spokesperson said, “DHS essential missions and functions will continue as they do during every shutdown. However during a shutdown, many employees will be forced to work without pay, putting strain on the frontline defenders of our nation.”
Potential effects included longer airport security lines if Transportation Security Administration absences rose. TSA Acting Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill noted past shutdowns led to officers sleeping in cars and taking second jobs.
Presidential Response
President Donald Trump expressed doubt about a deal. He told reporters, “We’ll see what happens.” Trump added, “You always have to protect our law enforcement. They’ve done a great job. Remember, they’ve taken out hundreds of thousands of criminals out of our country.” The shutdown highlighted ongoing tensions over immigration policy.
