2 minute readUpdated: February 14, 2026 02:05 PM (IST)
Another impasse on the funding bill has caused the US to partially shut down again. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) entered a partial shutdown on Friday after the Senate failed to pass a funding bill by the deadline, putting several key federal services at risk of disruption.
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The shutdown began after lawmakers failed to secure the 60 votes needed to pass a DHS spending bill. The Guardian reported that the vote was split largely along party lines, deepening the ongoing conflict between Republicans and Democrats over immigration enforcement policies.
Democrats call for restrictions on federal immigration authorities
Democrats are refusing to provide new funding to federal immigration authorities unless new restrictions are placed on them after two people were killed in Minneapolis last month. The incident has led to increased oversight of operations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which fall under the jurisdiction of DHS.
However, core immigration activities are unlikely to be immediately affected. ICE and CBP are considered essential services and have already been allocated significant funding under a massive spending package passed last year.
The disruption is instead expected to affect other agencies associated with DHS, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Secret Service, and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
TSA employees, including airport security personnel, are expected to continue working without pay to avoid major travel disruptions. FEMA may furlough employees, potentially impacting its ability to coordinate disaster responses with state and local governments.
Democrats have called for stronger oversight of immigration officials, including expanded accountability measures. Republicans have agreed to equip staff with body cameras, but have resisted broader reform proposals, district officials said.
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The impasse coincides with the parliamentary recess period, so there is little chance of an early resolution. This is the second partial government shutdown in the U.S. this month, after a short-term funding shortfall in January was resolved with a tentative agreement that exempted DHS.
Why is it important for India?
Prolonged disruption at DHS-related agencies could affect international travel, including flights to and from India. Prolonged operational strains at U.S. airports could impact Indian travelers, students, and business delegations.
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