US homeland security department on track for shutdown after funding bill fails in Senate

The Guardian World

by Robert Tait in Washington

February 13, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is teetering on the brink of a shutdown as lawmakers failed to resolve a funding impasse before leaving for a long weekend. The Senate’s inability to pass the DHS appropriations bill, which required 60 votes, has left the agency at risk of shutting down officially at midnight. This development comes amid ongoing political tensions over contentious immigration policies under the Trump administration, with Democrats blocking the funding in protest of violent tactics used during recent immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis. The failure to approve the funding bill means that critical services operated by DHS, such as domestic flights and Coast Guard operations, could face significant disruptions. Federal employees within DHS may be forced into unpaid leave or furloughs, impacting national security and public safety. The shutdown threat has raised concerns among lawmakers and citizens alike, with critics warning of potential chaos at airports, border crossings, and other key infrastructure. The impasse stems from a deepening divide between Democrats and Republicans over immigration enforcement. Democrats have been vocal in their opposition to the Trump administration’s hardline tactics, including reports of excessive force during raids in cities like Minneapolis. The funding dispute highlights broader tensions over the role and scope of DHS under the current administration. With the Senate unable to reach a compromise, the agency now faces an uncertain future as it approaches its potential shutdown. This situation underscores the ongoing political gridlock in Washington and its implications for national security and public trust. A DHS shutdown would not only disrupt essential services but also escalate tensions between the two political parties. As the clock ticks down on a solution, the eyes of the nation—and the world—are fixed on whether lawmakers can resolve their differences and ensure the continued operation

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/13/2026