Homeland Security Shutdown Takes Effect as Congress Deadlocks Over Immigration Enforcement

On February 14, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) entered a partial shutdown after Congress failed to pass a funding bill, with its temporary funding expiring at midnight. The previous day, the Senate voted 52-47 on a procedural motion, falling short of the 60 votes needed to advance the legislation. With both the House and Senate then beginning a ten-day recess, the funding lapse became all but certain.

The immediate trigger for the standoff was a series of aggressive immigration enforcement raids by federal agents that had sparked widespread protests. Democrats blocked the funding to demand reforms, including requiring body cameras for officers and banning masks during operations. While agencies like the TSA, Secret Service, and Coast Guard faced operational disruptions, analysts noted that ICE enforcement activities were likely to continue, backed by previously appropriated funds. This marked the second partial government shutdown in two weeks, highlighting intensifying partisan conflict over immigration policy.