POLITICS

DHS funding standoff stalls operations as talks fail

PUBLISHED Feb 15, 2026, 2:38 PM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 6

Left 17%

Center 67%

Right 17%

Sources: 6

Washington — Lawmakers and the White House showed no signs of compromise Saturday after negotiations failed to fund the Department of Homeland Security, prompting a partial shutdown that paused funding for agencies. Democrats demanded changes to immigration enforcement following the fatal shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good by federal officers in Minneapolis last month, including body cameras, clearer identification, and use-of-force rules. Congress is on recess until Feb. 23, and DHS says exempt activities such as law enforcement may continue. Work at ICE and CBP is funded under a 2025 law. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting detailed research.

By Najma A. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Fatal Minneapolis shootings prompt calls for DHS immigration oversight reforms.
Democrats demand body cameras, clearer identification, and use-of-force standards in negotiations.
Negotiations between Democrats and the White House fail to reach a DHS funding deal.
DHS funding lapses at 12:01 a.m. Saturday; partial shutdown commences affecting multiple agencies.
Congress remains in recess until Feb. 23 while exempt law-enforcement activities continue under DHS guidance.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 6
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 1
Neutral:: 4
Distribution:: Left 17%, Center 67%, Right 17%

Who Benefited

ICE and CBP retained operational funding through the 2025 tax and spending law, allowing continued deportation and enforcement activities despite the DHS funding lapse.

Who Impacted

DHS employees, support contractors and nonexempt programs across TSA, FEMA, Coast Guard, Secret Service and other agencies faced paused funding and potential service disruptions due to the lapse.