Homeland Security Shutdown Begins as Funding Expires

Democrats demand changes to immigration enforcement before approving more funding

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Another partial government shutdown has begun as funding for the Department of Homeland Security expired on Saturday. Democrats are refusing to approve more money for DHS until new limits are placed on federal immigration operations, following the fatal shooting of two individuals in Minneapolis last month. The White House has been negotiating with Democrats, but the two sides failed to reach a deal by the end of the week, leading to the funding lapse.

Why it matters

This shutdown is narrowly confined to DHS agencies like ICE, CBP, and TSA, but could still have significant impacts on airport security and other critical homeland security functions if it drags on. It highlights the ongoing political tensions over immigration enforcement under the Trump administration.

The details

Only agencies under the DHS umbrella are affected, not the broader federal government. Most DHS employees are deemed 'essential' and will continue working, but could miss paychecks. Services like airport screening could suffer if the shutdown lasts for weeks, as TSA workers may call out or take unscheduled leave without pay. The shutdown is due to Democrats' demands for changes to immigration enforcement, such as a code of conduct for federal agents and a requirement that officers show identification.

  • The Department of Homeland Security funding expired on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
  • The previous government shutdown last fall lasted a record 43 days.

The players

President Donald Trump

The president whose immigration enforcement agenda is at the center of the funding dispute.

Democrats

The political party refusing to approve more DHS funding until changes are made to immigration enforcement.

Alex Pretti and Renee Good

Two individuals whose fatal shooting in Minneapolis last month prompted Democrats' demands for changes to immigration enforcement.

Ha Nguyen McNeill

A senior official performing the duties of TSA administrator.

John Thune

Senate Republican leader from South Dakota who warned of potential travel problems due to the shutdown.

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What they’re saying

“Some are just now recovering from the financial impact of the 43-day shutdown. Many are still reeling from it.”

— Ha Nguyen McNeill, senior official performing the duties of TSA administrator (Associated Press)

“There's a very good chance we could see more travel problems”

— John Thune, Senate Republican leader (Associated Press)

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 shutdown highlights the ongoing political tensions over immigration enforcement under the Trump administration and the potential impacts on critical homeland security functions like airport security if the funding lapse is not resolved quickly.