Senate Struggles to Reach Immigration Deal as DHS Shutdown Looms

Bipartisan negotiations hit roadblocks as deadline approaches

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Bipartisan Senate talks aimed at reining in President Donald Trump's immigration policies have hit roadblocks, raising the specter of a partial government shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) if no deal is reached by the end of the week.

Why it matters

A DHS shutdown would disrupt key immigration enforcement and border security operations at a time of heightened political tensions over the issue. The inability of lawmakers to find common ground on immigration reform also reflects the deep partisan divisions that have stalled progress on this contentious topic.

The details

The Senate negotiations have focused on issues such as border security funding, protections for young undocumented immigrants, and limits on the president's authority to restrict immigration. However, Democrats and Republicans remain far apart on key sticking points, making it increasingly unlikely that a deal can be reached before funding for DHS expires on Friday.

  • The current funding for the Department of Homeland Security is set to expire on Friday, February 7, 2026.
  • Bipartisan Senate talks on immigration reform have been ongoing for several weeks.

The players

President Donald Trump

The current President of the United States, whose immigration policies have been a major point of contention in the Senate negotiations.

U.S. Senate

The upper chamber of the U.S. Congress, where bipartisan talks on immigration reform have been taking place.

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What they’re saying

“We're running out of time to reach an agreement and avoid a shutdown. Both sides need to be willing to compromise if we're going to get anything done.”

— Senator John Cornyn, Republican Senator from Texas

“The President's hardline stance on immigration is making it very difficult for us to find common ground. We need a more balanced approach that addresses the needs of all sides.”

— Senator Dianne Feinstein, Democratic Senator from California

What’s next

If no deal is reached by the end of the week, the Department of Homeland Security will be forced to shut down non-essential operations, disrupting key immigration enforcement and border security functions.

The takeaway

The inability of Congress to reach a bipartisan compromise on immigration reform highlights the deep political divisions that have stalled progress on this issue for years. A DHS shutdown would have significant real-world consequences, underscoring the urgent need for lawmakers to find a way to work together on this critical policy area.