Partial Government Shutdown to Persist Until at Least Tuesday Amid Immigration Standoff

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States federal government remains in a state of partial shutdown as of Monday, February 2, 2026, with legislative gridlock expected to keep several key agencies shuttered until at least Tuesday.

The lapse in funding, which began at midnight on Saturday, January 31, has primarily affected departments tied to the final six outstanding appropriations bills, including Defense, Homeland Security, Labor, and Transportation. While essential services continue, the impasse highlights a deepening rift between the Trump administration and congressional Democrats over federal immigration enforcement tactics.

The Catalyst: Tragedy in Minneapolis

The momentum for a smooth budget passage was derailed following the shooting deaths of two U.S. citizens, Alex Pretti and Renée Good, by federal agents during an operation in Minneapolis earlier this month. The incident sparked public outrage and led House Democrats to demand strict new oversight measures for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Key Democratic Demands:

• Identification Mandates: Requiring all federal agents to unmask and clearly display identification during operations.

• Judicial Warrants: Stricter requirements for warrants before agents enter private residences or vehicles.

• Roving Patrol Restrictions: An end to "roving patrols" and enhanced funding for agent body cameras.

The Legislative Logjam

While the Senate passed a five-bill "minibus" late Friday that included a two-week stopgap for DHS, the House of Representatives was out of session over the weekend, allowing the funding lapse to take effect.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) expressed optimism on Sunday, stating he is "convinced" the House will resolve the standoff by Tuesday. However, Johnson faces a "logistical challenge" in gathering enough members for a vote due to a major winter storm currently disrupting travel across the U.S.

"We have the votes to get this done," Johnson told reporters, indicating that leadership may bypass Democratic support by using a standard rule process rather than a "suspension of the rules" (which would require a two-thirds majority).

Impact on Federal Operations

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Department of Defense have already activated contingency plans.

• The IRS has stated it will utilize remaining funding from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act to keep the agency fully staffed through February 7.

• FEMA operations are a point of growing concern for lawmakers from both parties, as the agency's ability to respond to the ongoing winter storms could be hampered if the shutdown extends beyond the middle of the week.

• Federal Workers: Approximately 75% of government operations are currently impacted to some degree. While many employees are deemed "essential" and must work, they will not receive paychecks until a funding bill is signed into law.

The Administration's Stance

President Donald Trump has endorsed the Senate-backed deal and is reportedly pushing for a swift resolution to avoid a repeat of the 43-day shutdown seen in late 2025. Administration officials, including "Border Czar" Tom Homan, have been in direct talks with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to find a middle ground on enforcement "conduct codes" that might satisfy enough Democrats to ensure long-term stability.

For now, the nation waits on the House Rules Committee, which is scheduled to meet Monday afternoon. If the committee clears the package, a full floor vote is expected Tuesday, potentially ending the shortest, yet politically charged, shutdown of the current term.