A partial shutdown of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) began Saturday, February 14, 2026, triggered by a congressional impasse over funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The shutdown follows the deaths of two U.S. Citizens during ICE raids in Minneapolis, Minnesota, escalating tensions and demands for ICE reform.
While ICE itself remains operational due to previously allocated funds, critical DHS agencies are affected. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) faces curtailed disaster response capabilities, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) anticipates potential flight delays and increased wait times at airports.
Democrats are centering their opposition on demands for significant changes to ICE’s operational practices. These include restrictions on patrol activities, a ban on the use of face coverings by agents during operations, and a requirement for judicial warrants before entering private property. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated that the Republican party and former President Trump “have decided that they have zero interest in getting ICE under control.”
The White House, through Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, has attributed blame for the shutdown to Democrats, characterizing it as a politically motivated maneuver. However, Senator John Fetterman publicly disagreed with his party’s strategy, asserting that “This shutdown literally has zero impact on ICE.”
This marks the third government shutdown during Trump’s second term. A 43-day closure occurred last fall, and a four-day shutdown took place earlier this month. The current situation requires 60 votes in the Senate to pass a budget bill, necessitating bipartisan support even with the unified Republican vote of 53 senators.
The recent ICE shootings in Minneapolis, resulting in the deaths of Renee Good, a mother of three, and Alex Pretti, a veteran’s nurse, prompted a response from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during the previous shutdown. Noem mandated the use of body cameras for federal agents operating in Minneapolis and announced plans to expand the policy nationwide.
The Senate is currently in recess, but members could be recalled if negotiations progress. Despite the administration’s stated willingness to discuss changes to immigration enforcement policy, talks between the White House and Democratic leaders remain stalled. Senate Majority Leader John Thune described the administration’s proposals as “an extremely serious offer,” but cautioned that Democrats are unlikely to secure all of their desired concessions.
According to reporting by the New York Times, ICE already possesses substantial data on individuals involved in protests, raising questions about the agency’s surveillance capabilities. The BBC has reported on the broad powers granted to ICE agents, including the use of force.