ICE Meltdown, Epstein Files, and Pennsylvania Politics Dominate News Cycle

Lawmakers remain divided over immigration enforcement tactics as local resistance to ICE cooperation grows.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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In this week's politics roundtable, we break down the biggest national stories, from the escalating standoff in Washington over DHS funding and the fallout from the Epstein files, to the Republican push for election reform and local pushback against ICE cooperation in Pennsylvania.

Why it matters

These stories highlight the deep partisan divides on key issues like immigration enforcement and election security, as well as the growing tension between federal authorities and local governments over immigration policy. The outcome of these debates will have significant implications for the country's political landscape.

The details

The partial government shutdown was triggered by stalled negotiations over funding for the Department of Homeland Security, with lawmakers divided over the Trump administration's immigration enforcement tactics, including the use of warrants and face masks. Meanwhile, the release of the Epstein files has sparked renewed scrutiny of Trump's ties to the disgraced financier, while the Republican-backed SAVE America Act aims to overhaul election laws by requiring voters to show ID and proof of citizenship.

  • The partial government shutdown began in mid-February 2026.
  • The Epstein files were released in early 2026.
  • The Republican-backed SAVE America Act was introduced in early 2026.

The players

Terry Tracy

Founder of Broad + Liberty and CEO of Fideri News Network.

Solomon Jones

Philadelphia Inquirer columnist and WURD host.

Josh Shapiro

Governor of Pennsylvania.

Stacy Garrity

Pennsylvania state treasurer and gubernatorial candidate.

Dwight Evans

Retiring congressman from Pennsylvania's 3rd Congressional District.

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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

These stories highlight the deep partisan divides on key issues like immigration enforcement and election security, as well as the growing tension between federal authorities and local governments over immigration policy. The outcome of these debates will have significant implications for the country's political landscape.