Government Shutdown Continues Over DHS Oversight Demands

Democrats and the White House remain at odds over immigration enforcement policies

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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A partial government shutdown has continued as congressional Democrats and the White House fail to reach a deal on funding the Department of Homeland Security. Democrats are demanding changes to how immigration operations are conducted, including requiring federal agents to clearly identify themselves and wear body cameras. The White House has rejected these proposals, arguing they would compromise officer safety. With Congress in recess until February 23rd, both sides appear dug into their positions, leaving no clear path to ending the shutdown.

Why it matters

The ongoing impasse over DHS oversight reflects the deep partisan divide over immigration policy and enforcement. The shutdown is disrupting the operations of several key federal agencies, including the TSA, FEMA, and immigration enforcement. Resolving the standoff has become a high-stakes political battle, with both sides unwilling to compromise ahead of the 2024 presidential election.

The details

The partial government shutdown began on Saturday after Congress failed to pass legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security through September. Democrats are demanding changes to immigration enforcement, including requiring federal agents to clearly identify themselves, remove masks, and wear body cameras. The White House has rejected these proposals, arguing they would compromise officer safety. About 90% of DHS employees are continuing to work without pay during the shutdown.

  • The partial government shutdown began on Saturday, February 16, 2026.
  • Congress is on recess until February 23, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president who made immigration enforcement a centerpiece of his 2024 campaign and has continued to prioritize it since returning to office.

Chuck Schumer

The Senate Minority Leader, who has argued that the Democrats' proposals for DHS oversight are 'commonsense' and followed by law enforcement agencies nationwide.

Markwayne Mullin

A Republican senator from Oklahoma who said he could support body cameras for immigration officers but opposes demands to remove masks and clearly identify themselves.

Katie Britt

A Republican senator from Alabama and Trump ally who had pushed for a two-week extension of DHS funding while negotiations continued.

Tom Homan

The White House border czar who said the administration is unwilling to agree to the Democrats' oversight demands.

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What they’re saying

“I don't like the masks, either. But these men and women have to protect themselves.”

— Tom Homan, White House border czar (CBS' 'Face the Nation')

“And the question that Americans are asking is, 'Why aren't Republicans going along with these commonsense proposals?' They're not crazy. They're not way out. They're what every police department in America does.”

— Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader (CNN's 'State of the Union')

“What are you going to do, expose their faces so you can intimidate their families? What we want is ICE to be able to do their job. And we would love for local law enforcement and for states to cooperate with us.”

— Markwayne Mullin, Republican Senator (CNN's 'State of the Union')

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.