“With Democrats and Republicans still far apart on their demands and little progress to show from days of negotiations, the House and the Senate both dismissed lawmakers who are scheduled for a weeklong recess, all but guaranteeing a shutdown of the Homeland Security Department.”

DHS Shutdown Nears as Immigration Enforcement Talks Stall

“Congress left Washington for a weeklong recess despite not reaching a deal to fund the Department of Homeland Security.Credit...Elizabeth Frantz for The New York TimesBy Carl HulseCarl Hulse, who reported from Capitol Hill, has covered numerous government shutdowns.Feb. 13, 2026, 10:04 a.m. ETWhen a disruptive government shutdown nears, the Capitol is usually occupied by tense lawmakers struggling to avoid an embarrassing halt in government services and the accompanying political fallout. Even if a lapse in funding is a certainty, members of Congress typically want to look like they are trying to avert it.Not this time.The Capitol emptied out on Thursday, a full day before the midnight Friday deadline for funding the Department of Homeland Security. Lawmakers who were deadlocked over new restrictions on immigration officers jetted off to Munich for a security conference or headed home for a weeklong recess, seemingly unconcerned with the looming closure.”

Congress Leaves DC as DHS Shuts Down

“Members of Congress left Washington for a weeklong recess on Thursday. Funding for the Department of Homeland Security lapsed early Saturday morning, beginning a shutdown that was not expected to bring most of the department’s work to a halt yet could disrupt travelers, immigration enforcement and disaster relief if it is prolonged.”

Department of Homeland Security Shuts Down, Though Essential Work Continues