Lawmakers Clash Over DHS Oversight as Partial Government Shutdown Continues

Democrats demand changes to immigration enforcement tactics, Republicans resist

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A partial government shutdown began on February 15, 2026 after congressional Democrats and the White House failed to reach a deal on legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through September. Democrats are demanding changes to how immigration operations are conducted, including requiring federal agents to clearly identify themselves, remove masks during operations, and display unique ID numbers. Republicans have resisted these proposals, arguing they would endanger the safety of immigration enforcement officers.

Why it matters

The impasse over DHS funding and oversight has led to a partial government shutdown, affecting key agencies like the TSA, FEMA, and immigration enforcement. The dispute highlights the ongoing political tensions over immigration policy and the balance between security concerns and civil liberties.

The details

The shutdown began after Democrats demanded changes to how immigration operations are conducted, including requiring federal agents to clearly identify themselves, remove masks during operations, and display unique ID numbers. Republicans have resisted these proposals, arguing they would endanger the safety of immigration enforcement officers. About 90% of DHS employees are continuing to work during the shutdown, but without pay.

  • 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 enforcement of immigration laws a centerpiece of his 2024 campaign and has continued to prioritize interior enforcement and border security since returning to office.

Chuck Schumer

The Senate Minority Leader, who argues that Democrats' proposals for DHS oversight are 'commonsense' and similar to rules followed by law enforcement agencies nationwide.

Markwayne Mullin

A Republican Senator from Oklahoma who says he could support Democrats' calls for body cameras and increased training 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, but now says it was 'shortsighted of Democrats to walk away' from talks.

Tom Homan

The White House border czar who says the administration is unwilling to agree to Democrats' demands for increased oversight and transparency of immigration enforcement operations.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“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, Republican of Oklahoma (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, Republican of Alabama (Fox News)

What’s next

Congress is scheduled to return from recess on February 23, 2026, when negotiations over DHS funding and oversight are expected to resume.

The takeaway

The partial government shutdown over DHS oversight highlights the ongoing political divide over immigration policy, with Democrats pushing for increased transparency and accountability, and Republicans resisting measures they say would endanger law enforcement. The impasse reflects the broader challenges in finding bipartisan solutions on this contentious issue.