Congress Faces Deadline on DHS Funding as Shutdown Looms

Democrats push for new limits on ICE operations amid growing scrutiny over agency's tactics

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Congress faces a February 13 deadline to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as Democrats push for new limits on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. A shutdown appears more likely as lawmakers struggle to reach an agreement, with Democrats demanding reforms to ICE tactics and Republicans pushing for a clean funding bill.

Why it matters

President Donald Trump's administration has faced growing scrutiny over its hard-line approach to immigration, with ICE funding becoming a sticking point for lawmakers amid concerns and criticisms about the agency's tactics following the fatal shootings of two American citizens by federal officers in Minneapolis.

The details

Democrats are demanding a range of reforms to ICE operations, including prohibiting agents from wearing masks, requiring officers to display agency IDs and last names, banning operations at sensitive locations like schools and churches, and implementing body cameras for accountability. Republicans have dismissed these demands as unrealistic and are pushing for a clean funding bill with fewer restrictions. A shutdown could affect DHS agencies like the TSA and FEMA, but ICE would largely be shielded due to previous funding.

  • Congress has until the end of the day on February 13 to pass funding for DHS to avoid a partial government shutdown.
  • Lawmakers averted a longer shutdown at the end of January by agreeing to a two-week extension on DHS funding.
  • The fatal shootings of two American citizens by federal officers in Minneapolis occurred on January 7 and January 24.

The players

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal department responsible for domestic security, including agencies like ICE, TSA, and FEMA.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws, which has faced growing scrutiny over its tactics.

Hakeem Jeffries

House Democratic Leader.

Chuck Schumer

Senate Democratic Leader.

John Thune

Senate Republican Majority Whip.

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What they’re saying

“Federal immigration agents cannot continue to cause chaos in our cities while using taxpayer money that should be used to make life more affordable for working families. The American people rightfully expect their elected representatives to take action to rein in ICE and ensure no more lives are lost.”

— Hakeem Jeffries, House Democratic Leader (Newsweek)

“It's totally unrealistic. Their demand list went from three items to 10 items. It just shows you they're not, they're not serious yet. There's just a bunch of stuff in there that's a nonstarter, and they know it.”

— John Thune, Senate Republican Majority Whip (NBC News)

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.