DHS shuts down as US govt battles funds crunch amid disagreement over ICE raids

The immigration raids, citizenship processing, airport security, cybersecurity and Coast Guard activities will continue its operations during the shutdown.

Published on: Feb 16, 2026, 17:24:32 IST

Written by Majid Alam

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The Donald Trump administration has announced beginning of the shutdown procedures for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as the funding from the Congress expires on Monday midnight.

A view of the sign in front of US Homeland Security Department in South East Washington, D.C., U.S. February 15, 2026. REUTERS/Ken Cedeno (REUTERS)

The latest shutdown is the third time when parts of the US government shut down in the last six months. With the latest shutdown, several federal workers in the US are likely to miss paychecks.

The shutdown is expected to last for weeks as the Congress goes on a recess with no agreement on the Democratic demands to enact a new limit on the tactics by immigration officers in sight.

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While most DHS functions are set to affect with the latest development, the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, US Customs and Border Protection and the Transportation Security Administration will continue to operate, according to the Associated Press.

As a result, immigration raids, citizenship processing, airport security, cybersecurity and Coast Guard activities will continue its operations during the shutdown.

While the shutdown came into effect on Saturday, the DHS staff have been asked to report to work and begin an “orderly shutdown” on their next regularly scheduled shift.

Disagreement over Democrats' demands

The disagreement between the White House and the Democrats continued over the list of demands over limiting ICE activities. The Democrats have demanded the ICE agents to have body cameras and judicial warrants, forbid the use of masks and expand the provision for individuals to sue DHS for alleged misconduct.

Also Read: DHS oversight still blocking the pathway to end partial US shutdown

The Democrats have said they will not help approve more money to the DHS until the new limits are placed on federal agents after the killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis last month.

Though the White House has been negotiating with the Democrats, the two sides have failed to reach a deal. The Democrats are expected to prepare a revised list of demands and send it to the White House.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Majid Alam
Majid Alam is a Chief Content Producer working at Hindustan Times, based in New Delhi. He currently heads shifts at online desk and manages homepage apart from writing, editing and curating articles. With over six years of experience in journalism, Majid has navigated national, politics and international news. His work primarily focuses on the politics of the Hindi heartland, government policies, and South Asia. He also writes on US and Europe’s policies vis-à-vis India. Before joining Hindustan Times, Majid worked at ABP LIVE as the Chief Copy Editor and at News18, where he managed the World and Explainers sections. His articles have featured in Dialogue Earth, The Quint, BMJ, The Diplomat, and Outlook India. Majid has a keen interest in the use of data for storytelling. Majid holds a Masters in Convergent Journalism from Jamia Millia Islamia. He was awarded the Erasmus+ scholarship to study International Affairs at Sciences Po, Paris in 2020. He is also part of the OCEANS Network, an alumni network of Erasmus+ exchange scholars. He is currently serving as the National Representative (India) at the OCEANS Network. Apart from journalism, Majid has a flair for academic writing and loves to teach. He has published a book chapter: 'Bombay Cinema and Postmodernism' in the book: 'Handbook of Research on Social and Cultural Dynamics in Indian Cinema.' He was also part of the OCEANS Network delegation to Hanoi National University of Education in Vietnam in 2025. He has also given guest lecture in digital journalism at AJK MCRC, Jamia Millia Islamia.Read More

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