Impending DHS Shutdown: Negotiations Stall as Lawmakers Depart

Fri Feb 13 2026 01:21:33 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A government shutdown looms for the Department of Homeland Security as negotiations between the White House and Democrats hit a standstill, leading to a funding bill defeat just before lawmakers' break.

As lawmakers prepare to leave for a 10-day break, a shutdown for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is highly likely, following unresolved negotiations over immigration enforcement restrictions. The Senate voted against a funding bill, which now places the continuity of DHS operations in jeopardy. Democratic leaders are demanding substantial changes before supporting funding, citing concerns over recent immigration enforcement actions and the need for accountability.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A shutdown for the Department of Homeland Security appeared certain Thursday as lawmakers in the House and Senate were set to leave Washington for a 10-day break and negotiations with the White House over Democrats’ demands for new restrictions had stalled.

The White House and Democrats have traded offers in recent days as the Democrats insisted on curbing President Trump's broad immigration enforcement campaign. Key demands included ensuring better identification for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers and imposing new codes of conduct for federal law enforcement.

The White House's latest offer, deemed to contain 'concessions' by Senate Majority Leader John Thune, was not disclosed in detail. However, he acknowledged that both sides are still far from reaching a solution as the Senate prepares for another funding vote.

The funding bill proposed by Republicans was rejected before Congress adjourned for the break, as Democrats voted against it, with the funding set to expire without further action. This marks a setback, as the bill fell short of the necessary 60 votes.

Lawmakers were notified that they must return to Capitol Hill if a deal is reached, but Democrats are adamant about needing concrete changes, citing a loss of trust in the administration's handling of immigration laws and enforcement.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer emphasized that it is crucial for the administration and congressional Republicans to listen and address these concerns to avoid potential chaos.

As the shutdown looms, the impact could vary, with initial operations possibly unaffected. However, agencies like the Transportation Security Administration and Federal Emergency Management Agency could experience cutbacks over time.

Recent incidents involving lethal actions by ICE agents intensified the urgency for these reforms, with Democrats pushing for limitations on ICE's authority to enter private properties without proper judicial warrants. Thune indicated that the matter of warrants remains a significant point of contention in the negotiations.

The current stalemate continues to showcase the deep divisions between Democrats and Republicans surrounding immigration policy, leaving the DHS facing an uncertain future as the deadline approaches.