What to Know About the Homeland Security Shutdown
đź“… February 16, 2026
✍️ Editor: Sudhir Choudhary, The Vagabond News
AP News
The Guardian
CBS News
A partial shutdown of the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is under way after federal funding lapsed in mid-February when Congress failed to agree on a spending measure to keep the department operating. The shutdown is rooted in a political standoff over immigration enforcement and oversight reforms, and it affects key agencies responsible for domestic security, border control and emergency response. Major services continue, but disruptions and financial strain on federal workers are increasing concerns as the impasse persists.
What Triggered the Shutdown
Funding for the DHS expired at 12:01 a.m. on February 14, 2026, after lawmakers in Congress could not pass an appropriations bill that included conditions sought by Democrats on immigration agency conduct. Negotiations between the White House and congressional Democrats collapsed amid disagreement over reforms related to federal immigration enforcement, including accountability measures for immigration officers.
Democrats have insisted on changes such as restrictions on federal agents’ use of force, limits on certain immigration operations, and transparency requirements following public outcry over deaths linked to federal enforcement actions earlier this year. Republicans and the Trump administration opposed some of these conditions, arguing they could compromise officer safety and operational effectiveness. Both sides remain entrenched amid a ongoing congressional recess.
Unlike earlier government funding lapses in 2025, this shutdown is confined only to DHS agencies; other federal departments have funding through September 30, meaning most of the federal government remains operational.
Agencies Affected and Operations Continued
Homeland Security’s core agencies are affected to varying degrees:
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Transportation Security Administration (TSA): TSA officers continue to work screening passengers and baggage at airports nationwide as “essential” staff but are doing so without pay. If the shutdown continues, staffing shortages and longer security lines are possible as unpaid workers face financial strain.
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Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP): These agencies have available funding from prior appropriations and the 2025 “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” allowing operations to continue largely uninterrupted despite the DHS funding lapse.
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Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Emergency response operations will continue, but non-essential staff may be furloughed, potentially slowing reimbursements and coordination with state authorities.
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Secret Service and U.S. Coast Guard: Protective and safety missions, including presidential security and maritime operations, are maintained, though some administrative functions could be curtailed.
Federal law enforcement and disaster response roles deemed critical to public safety continue as long as funding and legal designations allow, but employees are operating without immediate compensation until the shutdown ends.
Impact on Travel and Border Services
Air traffic controllers — under the Department of Transportation — remain funded and unaffected by the DHS shutdown. However, the ongoing unpaid status of TSA screeners could contribute to delays at airports over time as officers potentially miss shifts or take leave.
Border crossings and enforcement actions by ICE and CBP are continuing due to existing budget buffers, but administrative delays in visa processing or other immigration services may arise if support staff are furloughed.
Financial and Human Costs
While most DHS employees are designated as “essential” and required to work, they will not receive pay until funding is restored. This mirrors patterns seen in previous government funding lapses when federal workers faced financial stress and rising absenteeism.
Some analysts and lawmakers warn that prolonged uncertainty could erode morale and operational capacity in agencies critical to national security, cybersecurity, disaster management and public safety.
Political Standoff and Future Prospects
The current stalemate reflects deep partisan divisions over immigration policy and federal enforcement oversight. Senate Democratic leaders have outlined core demands for reforms to ICE and CBP practices, including body camera requirements, clear identification standards for agents, and judicial warrant requirements for certain operations. Republican leadership and the Trump administration have resisted some demands, contributing to the impasse.
Lawmakers are scheduled to be out of session until later this month, reducing opportunities for a quick resolution. With both parties maintaining firm positions, there is no clear timeline for ending the DHS shutdown, and uncertainty remains over whether further concessions or negotiations will emerge.
Sources
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Associated Press: What to Know About the Homeland Security Shutdown
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CBS News: What Services Will Be Affected by the DHS Shutdown
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Reuters: Senate Blocks Homeland Security Funding, Raising Likelihood of Shutdown
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PBS NewsHour: Impact on Airport Travel Amid DHS Funding Lapse
Tags: Homeland Security Shutdown, DHS Funding, TSA, ICE, CBP, U.S. Politics, Government Shutdown
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