Homeland Security shuts down after Democrats block ICE reforms following Minneapolis deaths

DHS shut down at midnight on Feb. 14, 2026, because Senate Democrats blocked the appropriations bill on Feb. 13. The standoff began after ICE agents killed two U.S. citizens—Alex Pretti and Renee Good—during Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis in January.

Democrats demand four reforms: body cameras for all ICE agents, stricter warrant requirements, use-of-force policy reforms, and a ban on masked agents during operations. House Speaker Mike Johnson called most demands non-starters.

Over 90% of DHS employees are deemed essential and will continue working without pay. This includes 60,000 TSA agents, 42,000 Coast Guard personnel, 20,000 FEMA employees, 7,500 Secret Service agents, and 21,000 ICE agents.

ICE has $75 billion in funding from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that Congress passed in January 2026. This means immigration enforcement operations continue regardless of the DHS shutdown, including arrests and deportations.

Senate Majority Leader CSChuck Schumer said Democrats will not fund DHS until ICE implements accountability measures. Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized continuing to fund ICE and CBP while other agencies shut down.

Trump's immigration approval rating dropped to 39% overall after the Minneapolis killings, according to NBC News polling. The deaths sparked massive protests and prompted 🦆Minnesota's attorney general to sue the federal government.

The shutdown affects services that don't involve national security: E-Verify won't process employment verification requests. DHS can't issue new REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses. Grant programs for state and local law enforcement are suspended.