U.S. Senate Fails to Advance DHS Funding Bill, Partial Government Shutdown Looms

Disagreement over immigration enforcement regulations after fatal shootings in Minneapolis blocks funding for Department of Homeland Security.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The U.S. Senate on Thursday failed to advance a funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), raising the prospect of a partial government shutdown as temporary funding for the department expires at the end of Friday. The procedural vote was 52-47, short of the 60 votes required to advance the bill. The legislative stall came as the White House and congressional Democrats have been unable to reach an agreement on immigration enforcement regulations, following two fatal shootings by federal law enforcement officers in the city of Minneapolis.

Why it matters

The failure to pass a DHS funding bill could lead to a partial government shutdown, disrupting key national security and immigration enforcement operations. The recent fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by federal agents in Minneapolis have also heightened tensions and demands for changes to immigration policies and procedures.

The details

The Congress has recently passed a funding package to fund multiple U.S. federal agencies for the remainder of the fiscal year, yet DHS only received a two-week continuing resolution at current funding levels. Democrats have refused to support an extension of the status quo, seeking changes to how immigration agencies operate in the wake of the Minneapolis shootings.

  • The U.S. Senate failed to advance the DHS funding bill on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
  • Temporary funding for the Department of Homeland Security is set to expire at the end of Friday, February 13, 2026.

The players

Chuck Schumer

Senate Minority Leader.

Renee Good

A U.S. citizen fatally shot by federal law enforcement in Minneapolis.

Alex Pretti

A U.S. citizen fatally shot by federal law enforcement in Minneapolis.

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What they’re saying

“Democrats have been very clear: We will not support an extension of the status quo.”

— Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader

What’s next

If the Senate is unable to reach an agreement on DHS funding by the end of Friday, a partial government shutdown could begin on Saturday, February 14, 2026.

The takeaway

This funding impasse highlights the ongoing tensions between the White House, congressional Democrats, and immigration enforcement agencies, with the recent fatal shootings in Minneapolis serving as a flashpoint for demands to reform immigration policies and procedures.