DHS funding faces lapse as Feb 13 deadline nears

DHS funding deadline this week: why a partial government shutdown is possible

The U.S. faces the prospect of another partial government shutdown this week centered on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The risk stems from a funding lapse tied to immigration enforcement disagreements.

According to AP News, the current stopgap for DHS runs through February 13, 2026, making a partial shutdown possible absent a deal. This analysis synthesizes published legislative timelines and reporting on the standoff.

For context, MarketWatch has noted a 43-day federal shutdown last fall followed by a four-day disruption a week ago, underscoring ongoing fiscal brinkmanship. That recent history shapes expectations around timing and contingency planning.

What’s at stake for DHS, ICE, and immigration enforcement reforms

Newsweek has reported that Democratic leaders are pressing for tighter oversight of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including requirements for judicial warrants before home entries or vehicle stops, clearer use-of-force rules, and visible agent identification.

As reported by the New York post, Democrats outlined ten specific demands linked to DHS funding, while Republicans criticized the proposed limits as impracticable for enforcement. The two sides remain far apart.

Very little progress has been made on bridging those gaps, according to Yahoo News, leaving immigration enforcement reforms at the core of the funding impasse. The policy differences continue to drive the legislative deadlock.

If DHS funding lapses, components including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) could see short-term operational adjustments.

in the near term, agencies would likely prioritize critical missions, with certain planning, coordination, or lower-priority activities experiencing delays or rescheduling. The scope would be partial, not a full federal shutdown.

Paths to avert a shutdown and current negotiations

Active proposals: White House counterproposal, continuing resolution, standalone DHS bill

As reported by Roll Call, the White House has sent a counterproposal to Senate Democrats as the deadline approaches. Other routes discussed include a short-term continuing resolution and a standalone DHS appropriations bill.

Any of these paths would still require bicameral agreement and swift procedural action to meet the timeline. At the time of this writing, figures indicate Bitcoin near $69,163 with bearish sentiment and very high 10.62% volatility, providing broader market context.

Senior leaders have publicly tempered expectations for a rapid deal. “There’s always miracles, right?” said John Thune, Senate Majority Leader, in remarks carried by WTTW.

Procedural routes in U.S. Congress and what would need to happen

To avert a lapse, negotiators would need finalized legislative text, floor consideration and passage in both chambers, and the president’s signature. The compressed calendar increases reliance on streamlined procedures and quick consensus.

FAQ about DHS funding deadline

What are the Democrats’ 10 demands for DHS/ICE reforms and what would they change?

Democratic leaders outlined ten conditions emphasizing warrants for home and vehicle entries, limits on profiling, clearer use‑of‑force rules, and visible agent identification; they aim to increase oversight and civil‑liberties protections.

Which DHS services would be affected in a partial shutdown (TSA, CBP, FEMA, USCIS) and what stays open?

A lapse would focus on DHS appropriations. TSA, CBP, FEMA, and USCIS could face near‑term operational adjustments, with critical functions prioritized while lower‑priority activities experience delays or rescheduling.