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Update: DHS partial shutdown continues as talks stall

Kagi News | 2026-02-16 11:32 UTC | source

🏛️ A partial shutdown at the Department of Homeland Security began at 12:01 a.m. Saturday after Congress failed to extend funding. Some DHS employees are now working without pay as lawmakers remain deadlocked 32. NPR said negotiators appear no closer to an agreement, framing the impasse as yet another round of bipartisan talks that unraveled after a crisis drew national attention 2.

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries linked the standoff to broader disputes over immigration enforcement, saying Democrats want to “get ICE under control” 1. CBS News said many essential DHS operations continue, but some services could see disruptions or delays as the funding lapse drags on 3.

pbs.org

Sources

  1. Democrats pushing to 'get ICE under control' with DHS shutdown, Jeffries says [pbs.org] (2026-02-16)
  2. Lawmakers appear no closer to a deal as partial government shutdown continues [npr.org] (2026-02-16)
  3. DHS government shutdown is underway. Here are the services affected. [cbsnews.com] (2026-02-16)

Highlights

  1. Public impact: CBS News said many essential DHS security operations continue, but some services could be disrupted or delayed as the funding lapse continues 3.
  2. Pay and staffing: PBS reported Congress is out this week, so some DHS employees will keep working without pay for the foreseeable future 1.
  3. Why talks are stuck: NPR described the shutdown as another case of bipartisan negotiations falling apart after a crisis grabs national attention, leaving lawmakers no closer to a deal 2.
  4. Political framing: Jeffries said Democrats are using the funding fight to push changes to immigration enforcement, including tighter oversight of ICE 1.

Perspectives

House Democrats (Hakeem Jeffries): Jeffries said Democrats are pushing to “get ICE under control” amid the DHS funding lapse.

Congressional negotiators (as described by NPR): NPR described the talks as stalled, with lawmakers appearing no closer to a deal as the shutdown continues.

DHS service impacts (as detailed by CBS): CBS News focused on practical impacts by listing DHS services affected by the shutdown and noting that some operations continue while others may face delays.