Another Partial Government Shutdown Hits DHS

Congress remains out of session, making a swift resolution unlikely as lawmakers debate ICE reforms.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Parts of the federal government have shut down for the third time in the past few months, with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its over 260,000 employees affected after lawmakers failed to meet a midnight Friday deadline to fund the agency. The shutdown stems from a standoff centered on proposed reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following recent incidents involving the agency.

Why it matters

The DHS shutdown is the latest in a series of partial government shutdowns that have become increasingly common in recent years, disrupting federal operations and services. This shutdown raises questions about the ability of Congress to reach bipartisan agreements on contentious issues like immigration enforcement.

The details

The shutdown was triggered by a dispute over proposed reforms to ICE, including requirements for agents to show identification and limiting enforcement to targeted operations. Senate Democrats have demanded these changes as a condition for supporting DHS funding, but Republicans have opposed attaching the reforms to must-pass legislation. As a result, funding for DHS has lapsed, though ICE and Customs and Border Protection can continue operating using existing resources.

  • The DHS shutdown began after lawmakers failed to meet a midnight Friday deadline to fund the agency.
  • Congress is currently in recess and is not scheduled to return to Washington until next week, reducing the likelihood of a swift resolution.

The players

Chuck Schumer

Senate Majority Leader, a Democrat from New York who outlined proposed ICE reforms in a letter to the White House.

Hakeem Jeffries

House Democratic leader, who co-signed the letter with Schumer detailing the ICE reform demands.

Tom Homan

White House border Czar, who said the administration was not willing to agree to the demand that ICE agents identify themselves.

Donald Trump

The former president who signed a massive funding bill earlier this year that included a two-week extension of DHS funding, which ended on Friday and prompted the start of the ongoing shutdown.

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What they’re saying

“These men and women have to protect themselves.”

— Tom Homan, White House border Czar (Forbes)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.