The U.S. is heading toward a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding deadline, and a shutdown is looking more likely after Republicans rejected Democrats’ demands aimed at tightening rules on ICE operations. Democratic leaders want stronger accountability measures and limits on certain enforcement practices, arguing changes are needed to prevent abuse and rebuild trust. Republicans say the proposals would weaken enforcement and are not workable in the field.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune warned DHS funding could lapse on February 14, 2026, if there’s no deal. If funding expires, some DHS functions would continue as “essential,” but operations could be disrupted, and many employees could face delayed pay. The next moves to watch are whether Congress passes a short-term extension, narrows the policy fight into a smaller compromise, or lets the deadline hit.