DHS Shutdown Looms, Threatening Critical Services

Funding lapse could disrupt TSA, Coast Guard, and FEMA operations

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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With funding for the Department of Homeland Security set to expire, a potential government shutdown threatens to disrupt critical services like airport security, disaster relief, and Coast Guard operations. Congressional Democrats and the White House remain at odds over immigration enforcement, stalling a funding deal.

Why it matters

The Department of Homeland Security oversees a wide range of vital government functions, from transportation security to emergency management. A prolonged shutdown could significantly impact public safety and the ability to respond to natural disasters, raising concerns about the potential consequences for travelers and communities across the country.

The details

Much of DHS, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), will continue operating during a shutdown. However, the majority of the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) 64,000-plus workforce will be required to work without pay, potentially leading to longer airport security lines as callout rates spike. The Coast Guard will have to suspend non-critical missions, while the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will face disruptions in its ability to reimburse states for disaster relief costs.

  • Funding for DHS expired on February 13, 2026 after negotiations between congressional Democrats and the White House stalled.
  • Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer pledged on February 12, 2026 that Democrats would not support DHS funding without added oversight for ICE.

The players

Chuck Schumer

Senate Minority Leader from New York, who has called for added oversight of ICE as a condition for DHS funding.

John Thune

Senate Majority Leader from South Dakota, who expressed hope that a funding deal could be reached over the weekend.

Ha Nguyen McNeill

Acting TSA Administrator, who warned that another shutdown would be "unconscionable" for TSA workers still recovering from the previous one.

Thomas Allan

Vice Admiral and acting Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard, who said shutdowns "cripple morale" and could disrupt pay and operations.

Gregg Phillips

FEMA official who expressed concern that a shutdown would "severely disrupt" the agency's ability to provide disaster relief.

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What they’re saying

“The Republican bill on the floor allows ICE to smash in doors without warrants, to wear masks and not be identified, to use children as bait for their parents. No oversight? We are keeping our word. No funding for ICE until it is reined in, until the violence ends.”

— Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader (Social media)

“This isn't just ICE. This isn't just, you know, Border Patrol. This is FEMA. This is TSA. This is the Coast Guard. This is cyber security. A bunch of things covered by this bill.”

— John Thune, Senate Majority Leader (Fox News)

“Some are just recovering from the financial impact of the 43-day shutdown. We cannot put them through another such experience. It would be unconscionable.”

— Ha Nguyen McNeill, Acting TSA Administrator (Congressional hearing)

“Shutdowns cripple morale.”

— Thomas Allan, Vice Admiral and acting Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard (Congressional hearing)

“A federal government shutdown would have far-reaching and serious consequences for FEMA's operations and for the nation's ability to prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters.”

— Gregg Phillips, FEMA official (Congressional hearing)

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.