DHS Shutdown 2026: TSA and Coast Guard Pay Frozen Over ICE Reform

Democrats demand new warrants and ID rules for federal agents after Minneapolis shootings

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officially hit a wall, triggering a partial shutdown after a high-stakes deadlock in Washington. This isn't just another budget dispute; it's the direct fallout from the fatal shootings of two American citizens, Renée Good and Alex Pretti, by federal agents in Minneapolis last month. Democrats are refusing to move forward until the administration agrees to a list of 10 specific reforms, including requirements for agents to wear visible ID and body cameras, a ban on masks during field operations, and a mandate for judicial warrants before entering private property. The White House has called the demand for judicial warrants a 'particularly challenging aspect' and a deal-breaker.

Why it matters

This shutdown highlights the growing tensions between the White House and Democrats over immigration enforcement and the use of force by federal agents. With public approval for the administration's border security efforts sliding, Democrats seem willing to let the shutdown ride until Congress returns, leaving thousands of essential workers in financial limbo while the agencies they are trying to reform continue to operate in full.

The details

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officially hit a wall this weekend, triggering a partial shutdown after a high-stakes deadlock in Washington. This isn't just another budget dispute; it's the direct fallout from the fatal shootings of two American citizens, Renée Good and Alex Pretti, by federal agents in Minneapolis last month. Democrats are refusing to move forward until the administration agrees to a list of 10 specific reforms, including requirements for agents to wear visible ID and body cameras, a ban on masks during field operations, and a mandate for judicial warrants before entering private property. The White House has called the demand for judicial warrants a 'particularly challenging aspect' and a deal-breaker.

  • The DHS funding lapsed at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, February 15, 2026.
  • Congress left town on Thursday, February 13, 2026, without a deal.
  • The political fight over federal power will leave thousands of essential workers in financial limbo until Congress returns on February 23, 2026.

The players

Tom Cole

House Appropriations Chairman.

Chuck Schumer

Senate Minority Leader.

Chris Murphy

U.S. Senator.

Renée Good

An American citizen fatally shot by federal agents in Minneapolis.

Alex Pretti

An American citizen fatally shot by federal agents in Minneapolis.

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What they’re saying

“The things they want to shut down aren't going to shut down... What they're doing is hurting TSA agents, hurting air traffic controllers... keeping men and women from the Coast Guard from getting paid.”

— Tom Cole, House Appropriations Chairman (balleralert.com)

“The path forward is simple: Negotiate serious guardrails that protect Americans, that rein in ICE, and stop the violence. Americans are watching what's happened in neighborhood after neighborhood across the country. They know it's wrong. They know it's excessive. And they want Congress, the Senate, to fix it.”

— Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader (balleralert.com)

“We want to fund the Department of Homeland Security, but only a department that is obeying the law.”

— Chris Murphy, U.S. Senator (balleralert.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.