Lawmakers Clash Over DHS Oversight as Partial Government Shutdown Continues

Democrats demand changes to immigration enforcement tactics, Republicans resist

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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A partial government shutdown has begun after congressional Democrats and the White House failed to reach a deal on funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Democrats are pushing for increased oversight and transparency of federal immigration enforcement operations, while the Trump administration is unwilling to agree to their demands. The impasse affects several federal agencies, and both sides appear dug into their positions as the shutdown continues.

Why it matters

The dispute over DHS oversight highlights the ongoing political tensions around immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. The fatal shootings of U.S. citizens by federal officers have heightened concerns about the tactics used by immigration agents, leading Democrats to call for reforms. The shutdown also disrupts the operations of key homeland security agencies, potentially impacting public safety and emergency response.

The details

The partial government shutdown began on Saturday after lawmakers failed to reach a deal on DHS funding. Democrats are demanding changes such as requiring federal immigration officers to clearly identify themselves, remove masks during operations, display unique ID numbers, and wear body cameras. They also want to mandate judicial warrants for arrests on private property. However, the Trump administration is unwilling to agree to these proposals, with White House border czar Tom Homan arguing that officers need to protect themselves. Republicans have expressed some openness to body cameras and better training, but oppose measures they say could expose officers to harassment.

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

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States, who has made immigration enforcement a key priority of his administration.

Chuck Schumer

The Senate Minority Leader, who is leading the Democratic push for increased DHS oversight.

Tom Homan

The White House border czar, who is defending the administration's position on immigration enforcement tactics.

Markwayne Mullin

A Republican Senator from Oklahoma who is open to some Democratic proposals but opposes measures that could expose immigration officers to harassment.

Katie Britt

A Republican Senator from Alabama and Trump ally who had pushed for a temporary extension of DHS funding to allow negotiations to continue.

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What they’re saying

“I don't like the masks, either. 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.