(WASHINGTON, February 12, 2026) — A partial government shutdown looms as negotiations over funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stall, particularly regarding reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), according to multiple reports.
A deal to fund DHS is at risk, potentially leading to disruptions in government services as disagreements persist over ICE policies.
- The Senate is scheduled to vote on DHS funding legislation.
- Negotiations over ICE reforms are the primary sticking point.
- Republicans are urging former President Trump to maintain a firm stance against Democratic demands.
- White House officials have made a last-minute effort to avert a shutdown.
Shutdown Threatens DHS Funding
A partial government shutdown is increasingly likely as lawmakers struggle to reach an agreement on funding for the Department of Homeland Security, the Washington Post reported. The main obstacle to a deal is disagreement over proposed reforms to ICE, the agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws.
DHS officials have warned about the potential impacts of a shutdown, Federal News Network reported. The specifics of those impacts were not detailed in the initial reporting.
Senate Vote Scheduled
The Senate is set to vote on DHS funding, CBS News reported, but a deal on ICE reforms appears out of reach before the deadline. The outcome of the vote remains uncertain.
Political Positions
Republicans are encouraging former President Trump to resist Democratic demands regarding DHS funding, CNN reported. The White House has also engaged in a last-minute attempt to prevent a shutdown, according to The Hill.
Time.news based this report in part on reporting by The Washington Post, Federal News Network, CBS News, CNN, and The Hill and added independent analysis and context.
