DHS Shuts Down as Congress Fails to Reach Funding Deal

Lawmakers out of session as immigration reform demands stall budget negotiations

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shut down on Saturday morning after Democrats and Republicans were unable to agree on a funding package, with Democrats rejecting the White House's latest offer. The shutdown will impact various DHS agencies, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Transportation Security Administration, whose employees are now working without pay.

Why it matters

The DHS shutdown highlights the ongoing partisan gridlock in Congress over immigration reform, which has prevented a timely resolution of the agency's budget. This impasse could have far-reaching consequences for national security, disaster response, and transportation safety.

The details

Just over 95% of TSA employees are exempt and will remain on board during the shutdown, but they will not receive paychecks. The Department of Justice also sent a letter to Congress outlining its justification for redactions made in the released Jeffrey Epstein files, which included a list of 'all government officials and politically exposed persons' named in the documents.

  • The Munich Security Conference ended on Sunday, with lawmakers and officials returning to the U.S.
  • The DHS shutdown began on Saturday morning after the funding lapse.
  • The House and Senate are out of session this week.

The players

Chuck Schumer

Senate Minority Leader, who labeled the White House's latest offer as 'not serious, plain and simple'.

Donald Trump

The President, who said members of his newly created Board of Peace have pledged $5 billion toward Gaza reconstruction efforts.

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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)

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.