A Homeland Security shutdown grows more likely as Republicans rebuff Democratic demands for ICE

Associated Press (AP)CenterEN 6 min read 100% complete by By MARY CLARE JALONICK and LISA MASCAROFebruary 5, 2026 at 08:23 PM

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long article 6 min

A shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is increasingly likely as Republicans and Democrats clash over federal law enforcement. Democrats are demanding changes to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other agencies following the fatal shootings of two protesters in Minneapolis last month. Republicans, led by Senate Majority Leader John Thune, are calling the Democratic demands "unrealistic." Thune warned that the DHS will shut down next week if Democrats do not compromise. Democrats have stated they will not vote for a DHS spending bill when funding runs out unless changes are made to federal law enforcement agencies.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

White House 40% Minneapolis 40% Washington ×350% Hakeem Jeffries 60% Chuck Schumer 65% Republicans ×270% John Thune ×275% Democrats ×480% U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement ×285% Department of Homeland Security ×290%

Keywords

homeland security shutdown 80% ice reform 70% immigration enforcement 60% republican opposition 50% federal law enforcement 50% democratic demands 40%