Government Shutdown Continues Over DHS Oversight Dispute

Lawmakers remain at odds over demands for more transparency and accountability for immigration enforcement agents

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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A partial government shutdown that began on February 15, 2026 continues as Congress and the White House fail to reach a deal on legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Democrats are demanding changes to how immigration operations are conducted, including requiring federal agents to clearly identify themselves, remove masks during operations, and wear body cameras. Republicans have resisted these proposals, arguing they would endanger the safety of immigration enforcement officers.

Why it matters

The ongoing impasse over DHS oversight raises concerns about the balance between immigration enforcement and civil liberties, as well as the ability of the federal government to function effectively during a shutdown. The dispute also highlights the deep partisan divisions in Congress over immigration policy.

The details

The partial government shutdown began after congressional Democrats and the Trump administration failed to reach a deal on DHS funding. Democrats are seeking changes to immigration enforcement practices, including requiring federal agents to clearly identify themselves, remove masks during operations, and wear body cameras. Republicans have opposed these demands, arguing they would put officers at risk. The shutdown is affecting several federal agencies, though the work of ICE and CBP continues due to additional funding provided in a 2025 law.

  • The partial government shutdown began on February 15, 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 during his second term.

Chuck Schumer

The Senate Minority Leader, who has argued that Democrats' proposals for increased transparency and accountability for immigration agents are "commonsense".

Markwayne Mullin

A Republican senator from Oklahoma who said he could support body cameras for immigration officers but opposed 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 was unwilling to agree to Democrats' demands for increased transparency and accountability for immigration agents.

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What they’re saying

“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)

“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, Senator (CNN)

“President Trump is not going to back away from the mission, the mission that American people said they wanted him to complete, and that is securing our border and making sure that we actually do interior enforcement.”

— Katie Britt, Senator (Fox News)

What’s next

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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.