The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) began operating under a partial shutdown early Saturday after Congress failed to pass a funding bill before the February 14 deadline. This marks the first major federal shutdown of 2026, with critical immigration enforcement and border security operations now at risk of reduced staffing and delayed responses.
The Senate stalled a vote on Thursday amid bipartisan disagreements over proposed reforms to federal immigration protocols. These debates intensified following two fatal shootings involving federal law enforcement officers in Minneapolis last month, which reignited national discussions about policing standards and accountability.
While Congress approved full-year funding for most federal agencies earlier this month, DHS received only a two-week extension under a continuing resolution. Analysts warn the shutdown could disrupt visa processing, cybersecurity initiatives, and disaster response coordination if not resolved swiftly.
White House officials stated negotiations are ongoing, but lawmakers remain divided over linking immigration policy changes to budgetary approvals. The impasse highlights broader challenges in balancing security priorities with civil liberties concerns—a tension increasingly relevant to Asian markets monitoring U.S. trade and travel policies.
