For Immediate Release: February 13, 2026
Contact: media@hispanicfederation.org
Hispanic Federation Calls for Accountability as DHS Shutdown Takes Effect and Demands Robust ICE Oversight
Washington, DC – Tonight, the Department of Homeland Security shuts down following a failed congressional vote, a vote that failed because the legislation did not address the urgent need for oversight and accountability on immigration enforcement agencies that have harmed communities across the nation. Below is a statement from Frankie Miranda, President and CEO of Hispanic Federation, about this development:
“Yesterday’s failed vote was a direct result of community members coming together to demand accountability – a sentiment that is shared with the vast majority of Americans. We applaud Congressional Democrats for taking a stand for families who were harmed by aggressive immigration enforcement and demanding that everyone’s rights be defended. The legislation ignored the harms we have seen across the nation, failed to set the guardrails to protect our rights, and maintains a status quo that resulted in the avoidable loss of lives.
Members of congress who refused to hear the concerns of the majority Americans who wants DHS to restore constitutional protections, also refused to protect essential workers, choosing instead to use them as political pawns. As DHS shuts down tonight, essential employees will work without the guarantee of pay, and may ultimately miss paychecks should the shutdown extend. However, prolonged shutdowns historically lead to unplanned absences that impact public services.
Meanwhile, ICE and Border Patrol operations will continue with the same disregard for public safety and civil rights, as last summer because they received $170 billion for immigration enforcement – paid for by cuts to health care and food assistance. This slush fund will enable ongoing aggressive enforcement without oversight or accountability.
Last year’s unprecedented funding for mass deportation without guardrails and oversight has caused the chaos and violation of basic human and constitutional rights currently engulfing our communities. Ongoing DHS budget negotiations must incorporate essential guardrails to restore due process and public safety. We need robust reforms on oversight and accountability of DHS federal agent field operations. Congressional leaders need to return to the table for real negotiations that prioritize public safety, restore due process, and establish real guardrails on the continued abuses of ICE.”
About Hispanic Federation
Hispanic Federation (HF) is a nonprofit membership and advocacy organization, founded in 1990, committed to empowering and advancing the Hispanic community, with a focus on low-income, marginalized, and immigrant Latine. With programs in 43 states and territories, HF’s focus areas include immigration, economic empowerment, civic engagement, disaster relief, philanthropy, education, health, and the environment. HF also maintains ongoing public education campaigns and meets the organizational development needs of its member agencies through grant-making and capacity-building assistance.
