Lawmakers Clash Over Homeland Security Funding Amid Government Shutdown

Democrats demand changes to immigration enforcement, Republicans refuse to budge

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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A partial government shutdown began on February 15, 2026 after Congress and the White House failed 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, while Republicans are unwilling to agree to these proposals, leading to an impasse.

Why it matters

The shutdown affects key agencies like the TSA, FEMA, and immigration enforcement, potentially disrupting critical government functions. It also highlights the ongoing political tensions over immigration policy and the use of force by federal agents, which have become a major point of contention between the parties.

The details

The shutdown began after Democrats refused to approve funding for DHS unless changes were made to immigration enforcement, including requiring agents to identify themselves and wear body cameras. Republicans, led by the Trump administration, have rejected these demands, arguing they would compromise officer safety and effectiveness. About 90% of DHS employees are still working without pay during the shutdown.

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

The players

Tom Homan

White House border advisor who said the administration will not agree to Democrats' demands for increased transparency and oversight of immigration enforcement.

Chuck Schumer

Senate Minority Leader who said Democrats are only asking federal agents to follow the same rules as local law enforcement.

Markwayne Mullin

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

Republican Senator from Alabama and Trump ally who pushed for a two-week extension of Homeland Security funding while negotiations continued.

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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 advisor (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 from Oklahoma (CNN's State of the Union)

What’s next

Congress is expected to return from recess on February 23, 2026 to continue negotiations over funding the Department of Homeland Security and resolving the partial government shutdown.

The takeaway

The ongoing dispute over immigration enforcement and oversight has led to a partial government shutdown, underscoring the deep partisan divisions on this issue. Resolving the impasse will require compromise from both sides, but the current positions suggest a clear path forward remains elusive.