DHS Shutdown Leaves TSA, FEMA and Immigration Operations in Limbo

Congress fails to reach agreement before recess, triggering lapse in funding for key homeland security agencies.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The latest government shutdown is now directly affecting the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, leaving more than 260,000 employees without funding after lawmakers missed a midnight deadline on February 13. Congress failed to reach an agreement before leaving Washington for a week long recess, triggering a lapse that impacts agencies under DHS, including the Transportation Security Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Why it matters

The shutdown follows reports of misconduct within DHS and comes amid ongoing disputes over federal immigration enforcement practices, particularly in Minnesota during the recently concluded Operation Metro Surge. Democrats are demanding reforms before approving additional DHS funding, while Republicans argue that removing face coverings could expose officers to safety threats.

The details

While essential services are continuing, roughly 64,000 TSA employees are now working without pay. Airport security operations remain open, but officials warn that a prolonged shutdown could lead to staffing shortages, longer security lines and delays for travelers nationwide. The shutdown also marks the third in recent months, with a previous 43-day shutdown still impacting the DHS workforce.

  • The latest government shutdown began on February 13, 2026 after lawmakers missed a midnight deadline.
  • Congress left Washington for a week long recess without reaching an agreement on DHS funding.
  • The shutdown follows reports that two DHS officers allegedly misrepresented their involvement in the January shooting of a Venezuelan immigrant in Minnesota.

The players

Chuck Schumer

Senate Minority Leader, who said "Democrats will not support a blank check for chaos" and argued that reforms must be implemented before approving additional DHS funding.

Ha Nguyen McNeill

Acting administrator of the TSA, who told lawmakers that the workforce is still recovering from last year's 43-day shutdown and warned that another such experience would be devastating.

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What they’re saying

“Democrats will not support a blank check for chaos. This vote today asked a simple question: Will you rein in ICE's abuses or will you vote to extend the chaos. Republicans chose chaos. The Democrats, we refused.”

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

“We saw a lot of folks have to take on second jobs, making for extremely long work days. Some are just recovering from the financial impact of the 43 day shutdown. Many are still reeling from it. We cannot put them through another such experience.”

— Ha Nguyen McNeill, Acting Administrator, TSA (saobserver.com)

What’s next

Lawmakers in both chambers have been placed on notice to return to Washington if an agreement is reached. Until then, DHS employees continue reporting to work without pay, and travelers and communities across the country remain vulnerable to the ripple effects of prolonged political stalemate.

The takeaway

The DHS shutdown highlights the ongoing political divisions over immigration enforcement and the real-world impact on critical homeland security operations, including airport security and disaster response. It also underscores the toll that repeated government shutdowns can have on the federal workforce and the public they serve.