Department of Homeland Security Enters Shutdown Amid Funding Dispute

Lawmakers fail to reach agreement on immigration enforcement tactics before recess.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Department of Homeland Security has entered a partial government shutdown after lawmakers left Washington without reaching a deal on changes to immigration enforcement tactics. The shutdown began at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday and is expected to continue for some time, as Congress is not scheduled to return to Capitol Hill for votes until February 23 due to the Presidents Day recess.

Why it matters

This shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security could have significant impacts on national security, border control, and immigration enforcement operations. It highlights the ongoing political divisions and difficulties in reaching bipartisan compromises on immigration policy.

The details

The partial government shutdown began after lawmakers failed to agree on proposed changes to immigration enforcement tactics at the Department of Homeland Security. With Congress out of session for the Presidents Day recess, the shutdown is likely to continue for at least the next week until lawmakers return to Washington.

  • The shutdown began at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, February 16, 2026.
  • Congress is not scheduled to return to Capitol Hill for votes until February 23, 2026.

The players

Department of Homeland Security

The U.S. federal executive department responsible for public security, including border control, immigration enforcement, and disaster response.

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What’s next

Lawmakers will need to return to Washington and negotiate a deal to end the partial government shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security once they reconvene on February 23.

The takeaway

This shutdown highlights the ongoing political gridlock and difficulties in reaching bipartisan compromises on immigration policy, which could have significant impacts on national security and public safety if the impasse continues.