Department of Homeland Security Faces an Impending Shutdown

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by Madeleine Ngo

February 14, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is set to face a shutdown early Saturday due to expiring funding, though essential functions like immigration enforcement and disaster relief will continue. While core operations are not expected to halt entirely, many employees will work without pay, creating financial strain and potentially leading to workforce shortages. This situation mirrors past shutdowns, where the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) experienced spikes in resignations due to unpaid work requirements. The shutdown stems from a partisan divide in Congress over proposed restrictions on federal immigration enforcement. Democrats have called for measures such as requiring warrants for home arrests and mask removal during operations, which face resistance from Republicans. Despite the shutdown, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will continue its deportation campaign, largely due to funding approved last summer. However, personnel issues like pay and retention will be affected. The DHS Inspector General’s office will cease audits and investigations but will maintain criminal probes into key disputes between Democrats and Republicans. These include ICE’s use of force, detaining U.S. citizens, and conditions in detention facilities. The duration of the shutdown remains uncertain as Congress is in recess, though negotiations are ongoing. This situation highlights the broader challenges of balancing political ideology with public safety and financial stability for federal workers. For readers interested in news, it underscores the impact of government funding disputes on essential services and workforce morale.

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/14/2026