Congress Leaves DC as DHS Funding Lapses

Lawmakers depart Capitol Hill as no deal is reached to avert partial government shutdown over ICE reform demands

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Congress left Washington last week without resolving a funding crisis for the Department of Homeland Security, allowing the agency to partially shut down as Democrats refused to approve funding without reforms to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The decision to allow lawmakers to depart the Capitol was made due to the lack of a viable deal in sight, with leaders wary of the potential for mischief and unrest if members were forced to remain idle in Washington.

Why it matters

The lapse in DHS funding means that key agencies like the TSA, Coast Guard, and FEMA are operating without paychecks, raising concerns about the impact on public safety and disaster response. The shutdown also highlights the ongoing political tensions over immigration policy and the role of ICE, which has become a flashpoint issue for Democrats.

The details

Democrats are refusing to fund DHS until there is an agreement to reform ICE, citing concerns over the agency's tactics after recent killings in Minneapolis. Republicans, who funded ICE through 2029 in last year's budget deal, accused Democrats of putting their base's demands ahead of keeping the government open. With no deal in sight, Congressional leaders decided it was better to let lawmakers leave town rather than force them to remain in Washington with nothing to do but stir up trouble.

  • Congress left Washington on Thursday, February 20, 2026, a week before the DHS funding lapsed.
  • The DHS funding expired at 12:00:01 AM ET on Saturday, February 22, 2026.

The players

Chris Murphy

A Democratic senator from Connecticut who objected to a request to approve a short-term funding bill for DHS.

Katie Britt

A Republican senator from Alabama who proposed the short-term funding bill that was blocked by Murphy.

Renee Good

A victim of a recent killing in Minneapolis that has fueled Democratic demands for ICE reform.

Alex Pretti

Another victim of a recent killing in Minneapolis that has fueled Democratic demands for ICE reform.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm over it!”

— Katie Britt, Senator (Fox News)

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.