Senate Democrats Block DHS Funding Bill, Shutdown Continues

Impasse deepens as both sides refuse to budge on immigration enforcement reforms.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Senate Democrats on Tuesday blocked a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), ensuring the ongoing shutdown of the agency will continue through this week. The 50-45 vote failed to reach the 60 votes needed to advance the full-year DHS spending bill, as Democrats demand reforms to how the Trump administration carries out its immigration enforcement campaign as a condition of funding.

Why it matters

The DHS shutdown is disrupting key government functions, with TSA, FEMA, the Secret Service, and the Coast Guard workers at risk of missing paychecks. Democrats are taking a hardline stance on immigration enforcement, while Republicans have shown little willingness to bend to their demands, deepening the impasse.

The details

Appropriators had struck a deal on the DHS funding bill in January, which passed the House with support from six moderate Democrats. But the shooting of Alex Pretti by immigration agents in Minneapolis upended the negotiations, leading Senate Democrats to reject the agreement. Democrats are demanding reforms such as unmasking agents and tightening warrant requirements, which Republicans have so far refused. The White House has yet to make a formal counteroffer to Democratic negotiators.

  • The Senate voted 50-45 on Tuesday to block the DHS funding bill.
  • The DHS shutdown will continue through this week as the impasse deepens.

The players

Senate Democrats

The Democratic caucus in the U.S. Senate, who blocked the DHS funding bill in an effort to force reforms to immigration enforcement.

Sen. John Fetterman

The only Democrat to vote with Republicans in favor of the DHS funding measure.

Sen. Mitch McConnell

The Senate Minority Leader, who returned to the chamber for the first time this month after recovering from a brief hospitalization.

Sen. Chuck Schumer

The Senate Majority Leader, who accused Republicans of not negotiating in good faith on the DHS funding impasse.

Sen. John Thune

The Senate Majority Whip, who expressed hope that a breakthrough in the DHS funding talks would come soon.

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What they’re saying

“So far, they have not budged on the key issues.”

— Sen. Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader (borderreport.com)

“The conversations — they continue, but I wouldn't say there's been a, necessarily, a breakthrough yet. … I hope that we get it funded.”

— Sen. John Thune, Senate Majority Whip (borderreport.com)

“Global Entry increases efficiency for travelers and customs agents alike, and the administration's claims don't pass the smell test. The administration should be focused on working with us on real solutions, not on inflicting pain for American travelers as a political stunt.”

— Sen. Mark Warner, Senator representing Dulles International Airport (borderreport.com)

“People across this country know who's holding this up. The administration's got to sit down in good faith and bargain. The American people have seen this firsthand through the videos. They know exactly what happened in the streets of Minneapolis and the streets of Chicago. They know there has to be a change.”

— Sen. Dick Durbin, Senator representing Chicago O'Hare International Airport (borderreport.com)

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.