Lawmakers Deadlocked Over DHS Oversight Amid Partial Shutdown

Congress and White House at odds over changes to immigration enforcement after fatal shootings by federal officers

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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A partial government shutdown began on Saturday after congressional Democrats and the Trump administration failed to reach a deal on legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security through September. Democrats are demanding changes to how immigration operations are conducted following the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by federal officers in Minneapolis last month, but lawmakers and the White House are offering no signs of compromise as they remain dug into their positions.

Why it matters

The impasse over DHS oversight has led to a partial government shutdown, disrupting federal operations and services. The dispute highlights the ongoing tensions between the administration's immigration enforcement policies and Democratic calls for greater accountability and reforms following high-profile incidents involving federal immigration officers.

The details

The partial shutdown began after Congress failed to reach a deal on funding the Department of Homeland Security. Democrats are seeking changes to immigration enforcement procedures in the wake of the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by federal officers in Minneapolis last month. However, both sides appear unwilling to compromise, with lawmakers and the White House maintaining their entrenched positions.

  • The partial government shutdown began on Saturday, February 15, 2026.
  • Congress is currently on recess until February 23, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States.

Congressional Democrats

Members of the Democratic Party in the U.S. Congress.

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The takeaway

The ongoing dispute over DHS oversight and immigration enforcement policies has led to a partial government shutdown, underscoring the deep partisan divisions in Washington and the challenges in finding common ground on these contentious issues.