DHS Watchdog Warns Shutdown Could Imperil Immigration Enforcement Oversight

Funding lapse forces department's inspector general to suspend majority of audits and probes.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The lapse in funding for the Department of Homeland Security is forcing the department's inspector general to suspend the majority of its audits and probes, raising concerns about the ability of Congress and investigators to conduct oversight of the agency's immigration enforcement activities.

Why it matters

The shutdown could hinder oversight of sensitive issues like the Secret Service's handling of a 2024 assassination attempt, DHS's cybersecurity, and the use of force by federal agents during immigration enforcement operations. Inspectors general play a crucial role in providing independent oversight and accountability, and the funding lapse threatens to undermine that.

The details

With approximately 60% of the OIG's workforce furloughed, only special agents and personnel whose work is supported by secondary funding can continue working through the shutdown. This will affect the office's reviews of the Secret Service's handling of the 2024 assassination attempt against former President Trump, as well as probes of DHS's cybersecurity and counterintelligence operations.

  • The current government shutdown began on February 15, 2026.

The players

Department of Homeland Security

The federal department responsible for immigration enforcement and national security.

DHS Office of Inspector General

The independent oversight body that audits and investigates the Department of Homeland Security.

Kristi Noem

The current Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

Tammy Duckworth

A Democratic Senator from Illinois who has raised concerns about the DHS OIG's independence.

Joseph Cuffari

The current Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security.

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What they’re saying

“These situations are raw. They need an independent voice providing facts on what's happening on the ground with respect to these sensitive issues. When they push the pause button on these things, they're not delivering for the American people, and that, to me, is the problem.”

— Mark Greenblatt, Former Inspector General, Department of the Interior (Politico)

“Repeated tacit threats from your Office of the Secretary to DHS OIG may have already succeeded in weakening DHS OIG's operational independence.”

— Tammy Duckworth, U.S. Senator, Illinois (Politico)

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.