DHS Shutdown Deepens Over ICE Oversight Standoff
A partial DHS shutdown began Saturday after Democrats demanded new limits on ICE and CBP following fatal Minneapolis shootings, leaving most DHS staff working without pay while ICE and CBP can draw on prior 2025 funding.
Overview
A partial Department of Homeland Security shutdown began Saturday after lawmakers and the White House failed to reach a funding deal and showed no signs of compromise.
Democrats are withholding DHS funding pending new limits on ICE and CBP following the fatal shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis last month.
White House border czar Tom Homan said the administration would not accept demands that agents clearly identify themselves, remove masks during operations, or display unique ID numbers.
About 90% to 91% of DHS employees are slated to continue working without pay, and agencies affected include TSA, FEMA, the Coast Guard, the Secret Service, ICE and CBP.
Congress is on recess until Feb. 23 but leaders said members could be recalled if an agreement is reached, while ICE and CBP can tap roughly $75 billion and $65 billion from the 2025 tax and spending law.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources portray the dispute as a political standoff, emphasizing Democratic oversight demands and political fallout for Trump. Editorial choices — NPR’s interpretive opener about Trump ‘losing grip,’ AP’s front-loading of reform demands, and selective quote placement — nudge sympathy toward reforms; quoted lines (e.g., Schumer’s 'commonsense proposals') are source content, not editorial voice.
Sources (44)
FAQ
The shutdown began on February 14, 2026, after Democrats withheld funding for DHS, demanding new limits on ICE and CBP operations, including agent identification requirements, following fatal shootings in Minneapolis.
About 90-91% of DHS's over 260,000 employees across agencies like TSA, FEMA, Coast Guard, and Secret Service will continue working without pay; ICE and CBP can use prior funding.[2]
Democrats demand ICE and CBP agents identify themselves clearly, remove masks, display unique ID numbers, and possibly wear body cameras, prompted by the shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis.
Yes, ICE and CBP have ample funding from the 2025 Working Families Tax Cut Act (about $75 billion for ICE and $65 billion for CBP), allowing operations to continue without interruption.[1]
Congress is on recess until February 23, 2026, but could be recalled earlier if an agreement is reached; workers may miss paychecks starting March 3 if unresolved.
History
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