Partial Homeland Security Shutdown Begins

Funding lapse affects immigration agencies, raises concerns over airport security staffing

Feb. 14, 2026 at 5:31pm

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A partial shutdown of the federal government has begun, with funding for the Department of Homeland Security expiring on Saturday. The shutdown is narrowly confined to agencies under the DHS umbrella, such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Transportation Security Administration. While the work of ICE and CBP will mostly continue, the shutdown could disrupt airport screening and other DHS services if it drags on for weeks.

Why it matters

The shutdown is the result of a fight over proposed restrictions on President Donald Trump's immigration enforcement agenda, following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis last month. Democrats are refusing to approve more funding for DHS until the new limits are put in place, raising concerns about the potential impact on public safety and travel.

The details

Unlike the record 43-day shutdown last fall, the current closures will be narrowly confined to DHS agencies. Most federal workers and programs will remain unaffected. However, the shutdown could still have significant consequences, particularly for the TSA. About 95% of TSA employees are deemed essential and will continue to work without pay, raising the possibility of staffing shortages and reduced security screening if workers call out or take unscheduled leave.

  • The Department of Homeland Security's funding expired on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
  • The previous government shutdown in the fall of 2025 lasted 43 days.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States, who acquiesced to Democrats' request that homeland security funding be stripped from a broader spending package to allow more time for negotiation over demands for changes to immigration enforcement.

Alex Pretti

A victim of a fatal shooting in Minneapolis last month, which has contributed to the ongoing dispute over immigration enforcement policies.

Renee Good

A victim of a fatal shooting in Minneapolis last month, which has contributed to the ongoing dispute over immigration enforcement policies.

Ha Nguyen McNeill

A senior official performing the duties of TSA administrator, who has warned that many TSA workers are still recovering from the financial impact of the previous 43-day shutdown.

John Thune

The Senate Republican leader from South Dakota, who has warned that the shutdown could lead to more travel problems similar to last year's 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

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

— John Thune, Senate Republican leader

What’s next

The White House and Democrats continue to negotiate over the proposed restrictions on immigration enforcement, with the goal of reaching a deal to end the partial government shutdown.

The takeaway

This shutdown highlights the ongoing political tensions over immigration policy and the potential for disruptions to critical government services, particularly airport security, if the funding impasse is not resolved quickly.