Partial DHS Shutdown Triggered by Immigration Standoff

Midnight deadline passes as White House and Democrats clash over border enforcement policies

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A partial government shutdown has hit the Department of Homeland Security after a midnight deadline passed without a funding agreement between the White House and Congressional Democrats. The impasse centers on immigration enforcement policies, with Democrats pushing for new restrictions on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations.

Why it matters

The shutdown affects a wide range of DHS agencies, including the TSA, Coast Guard, and FEMA, impacting over 260,000 federal employees. The political battle over border enforcement has intensified following recent high-profile incidents involving ICE and CBP agents.

The details

Republicans argue that last year's funding increase for ICE and CBP is sufficient, but Democrats are demanding new reforms like body cameras for agents and judicial warrants for arrests on private property. The White House has rejected these demands as 'very, very hard to approve,' while Democrats dismiss executive promises as insufficient to prevent future abuses.

  • The partial DHS shutdown began at midnight on Friday, February 14, 2026.
  • Congress has left Washington for the weekend and is not scheduled to return until February 23, just 24 hours before the President's State of the Union address.

The players

Chuck Schumer

Democratic Senator from New York and Senate Minority Leader.

John Fetterman

Democratic Senator from Pennsylvania, the lone member of his party to vote with Republicans on the funding bill.

Hakeem Jeffries

House Minority Leader, who said a formal response to the White House's latest proposal is in the works.

Russ Vought

Director of the Office of Management and Budget, who has instructed DHS to begin 'orderly shutdown' procedures.

Tom Homan

The White House's 'border czar,' who announced an end to the enforcement surge in Minnesota.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

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.