February 4, 2026
ICE accountability fight threatens Feb. 13 government shutdown
Democrats demand body cameras and warrant rules before Feb. 13 deadline
🛂Immigration🏛️Government
The House passed a spending package on Feb. 3, 2026 that ended a partial government shutdown
The package funded most federal agencies through September 2026
It only funded the Department of Homeland Security through Feb. 13, 2026 That short-term extension gives lawmakers time to negotiate ICE accountability measures.
Senate Appropriator 
Patty Murray (D-WA) spoke at a press conference on Feb. 4, 2026. She stated: 'We're going to have accountability at DHS, or there will not be Democratic votes to fund a lawless agency.'
Murray controls which amendments get votes in the Senate Appropriations Committee. Her position signals unified Democratic opposition to DHS funding without restrictions.
Democrats are demanding several specific changes to ICE operations
They want an end to roving patrols where agents stop people without warrants based on appearance
They want uniform use-of-force policies that match state and local law enforcement standards They want a 'masks off, body cameras on' policy so agents can be identified and their actions recorded.
At least four people have been fatally shot by federal immigration agents since September 2025
Renee Good, a VA nurse, was killed by Border Patrol agent Jonathan Ross on Jan. 7, 2026 in Minneapolis
Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, was killed by CBP agents Jesus Ochoa and Raymundo Gutierrez on Jan. 24, 2026 in Minneapolis Marimar Martinez, a U.S. citizen in Chicago, survived being shot five times by Border Patrol agents in Brighton Park on Oct. 4, 2025 She testified before Congress on Feb. 3, 2026 about her experience.
Republicans have shown willingness to negotiate on some Democratic demands
Senate Republicans indicated they'd accept body camera requirements and ending roving patrols
They're resisting uniform use-of-force standards and warrant requirements They argue ICE needs operational flexibility that local police don't.
If negotiations fail, approximately 80% of DHS employees will be furloughed or work without pay. That includes 65,000 TSA agents, 50,000 Coast Guard personnel, and 20,000 FEMA workers.
ICE and Border Patrol agents will continue operations because immigration enforcement is deemed 'essential.' They'll work without paychecks until the shutdown ends.
Congress gave ICE $75 billion over four years in the Republican tax and spending bill passed in 2025
That money is already appropriated
The Feb. 13 deadline only affects the authority to spend it If DHS shuts down, ICE can keep operating on prior-year funds for approximately 60 days before running out of money.
The negotiations happen against the backdrop of President Trump's mass deportation agenda
The administration requested funding for 10,000 additional ICE agents
Democrats want accountability measures in place before expanding the agency Republicans argue restrictions will hamstring enforcement of immigration laws.
🛂Immigration🏛️Government
People, bills, and sources
Patty Murray
U.S. Senator (D-WA), Senate Appropriations Committee Ranking Member
John Thune
U.S. Senator (R-SD), Senate Majority Leader
Mike Johnson
U.S. Representative (R-LA), Speaker of the House
Tom Homan
Border Czar
Kristi Noem
Secretary of Homeland Security
Chip Roy
U.S. Representative (R-TX-21), House Freedom Caucus member
Keith Ellison
Minnesota Attorney General
Hakeem Jeffries
U.S. Representative (D-NY), House Minority Leader
Jacob Frey
Mayor of Minneapolis
What you can do
1
civic action
Contact your senators about DHS funding conditions
The Senate needs 60 votes to pass DHS funding by Feb. 13, 2026. Your senators will vote on whether to require ICE accountability measures as a condition of funding. Their votes determine whether agents must wear body cameras and follow warrant procedures.
I'm calling about the upcoming Department of Homeland Security funding deadline on Feb. 13. I want to know if Senator [NAME] will vote for DHS funding only if it includes accountability measures for ICE. These should include body camera requirements, ending roving patrols, uniform use-of-force standards, and consistent warrant procedures. At least four people have been killed by federal immigration agents since September. Without restrictions, more deaths will occur. Will Senator [NAME] support clean DHS funding or demand accountability first?
2
civic action
Contact House Freedom Caucus members about ICE accountability
House Freedom Caucus members oppose ICE restrictions. Their votes determine whether Speaker Johnson can pass a bill with accountability measures. If enough Freedom Caucus members refuse to vote for restrictions, the bill fails.
I am calling about the Feb. 13 DHS funding deadline. Will Representative [NAME] support body camera requirements for ICE agents? Four people have been killed by federal immigration agents since September. Body cameras protect both the public and law enforcement by creating accountability. Will you vote for DHS funding that includes these basic safeguards?
3
civic action
Report ICE misconduct to your congressional delegation
If you witness ICE agents operating without identification, conducting warrantless searches, or using excessive force, document the incident and report it to your representative and senators. Include dates, locations, badge numbers if visible, and witness contact information. Congressional offices track constituent complaints and use them in oversight hearings.
4
civic awareness
Track state-level ICE cooperation policies
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey introduced legislation in January 2026 to prohibit ICE from operating in schools, hospitals, courthouses, and places of worship. Other states are considering similar protections. Track whether your state offers legal protections beyond federal requirements.
5
know your rights
Understand your rights at sensitive locations
The Trump administration rescinded Biden-era protections that prohibited ICE enforcement at schools, hospitals, churches, and disaster sites on Jan. 20, 2025. You now rely on basic constitutional protections. ICE cannot enter private property without consent or a judicial warrant. Know when to demand identification and documentation.