Democrats battle White House on ICE, Homeland Security funding

Tulsi Gabbard complaint, monks' peace walk, Galentines Day

ADVERTISEMENT View in Browser Policy changes, but facts endure. AP delivers accurate, fact-based journalism to keep the world informed in every administration. Support independent reporting today. Donate. By Siddharth Karthikeyan February 10, 2026 By Siddharth Karthikeyan February 10, 2026 In the news today: Democrats say a White House proposal on ICE is "incomplete and insufficient" as they threaten a shutdown of the Homeland Security Department; Tulsi Gabbard's office fires back on a top-secret complaint about her handling of classified material; and the "Walk for Peace" by Buddhist monks that has captivated the U.S. comes to an end in Washington, D.C. Also, why Galentine's Day is growing as an alternative to Valentine's Day. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., center, speaks as House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y. listens, at the Capitol in Washington, Feb. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) POLITICS Democrats say White House offer on ICE is 'insufficient' as Homeland Security funding set to expire Democratic congressional leaders said in a statement late Monday that a White House counterproposal to the list of demands they transmitted over the weekend "included neither details nor legislative text" and does not address "the concerns Americans have about ICE's lawless conduct." Read more. Why this matters: The Democrats' statement comes as time is running short, with another partial government shutdown threatening to begin Saturday. Their demands include judicial warrants, better identification of DHS officers, new use-of-force standards and a stop to racial profiling. Many Democrats who are furious about Immigration and Customs Enforcement's aggressive crackdown have said they won't vote for another penny of Homeland Security funding until enforcement is radically scaled back. Republicans have balked at the Democrats' requests and some have demands of their own, including the addition of legislation that would require proof of citizenship before Americans register to vote and restrictions on cities that they say do not do enough to crack down on illegal immigration. RELATED COVERAGE ➤ Judge blocks California's ban on federal agents wearing masks but requires badges be clearly seen US immigration court blocks deportation of Tufts graduate student from Turkey, her attorneys say POLITICS Gabbard's office warns attorney against sharing classified complaint with Congress The general counsel for Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard on Monday warned the attorney for an anonymous government employee not to directly share a top-secret complaint about Gabbard's handling of classified material with members of Congress. Read more. Why this matters: The letter to attorney Andrew Bakaj is the latest escalation in the back-and-forth accusations over the complaint. It alleges that Gabbard withheld top-secret material for political reasons. Two inspectors general for the intelligence community reviewed the claim and found that particular allegation did not appear to be credible. Gabbard has denied any wrongdoing and said she did all she could to ensure the report reached Congress. Democrats on the House and Senate intelligence committees have blasted Gabbard's office over the handling of the complaint, questioning why it took eight months for it to be sent to select members of Congress as required by law. RELATED COVERAGE ➤ Trump is threatening to block a new bridge between Detroit and Canada from opening WATCH: Ghislaine Maxwell appeals for clemency from Trump as she declines to answer Epstein questions Netanyahu wants Trump to demand more from Iran. The leaders will meet this week Navy leader wants to move faster and leaner instead of turning to aircraft carriers in crisis Survey says democracies' anti-corruption efforts are slipping and raises concern about the US Governors tackle rising cost of living with relief checks, tax cuts and housing policy Her jabs go viral. He's known to quote the Bible. How social media is shaping a Texas Senate race GOP lawmakers both critical and cordial with Charlotte leaders after high-profile crime Jury convicts 2 in signature scandal that doomed 2022 Michigan candidates for governor Bad Bunny may have trounced Kid Rock in Super Bowl halftime showdown if historic trends hold RELIGION Buddhist monks head to DC to finish a 'Walk for Peace' that captivated millions A group of Buddhist monks is set to reach Washington, D.C., on foot Tuesday, capping a trek from Texas that caught the country's attention. The monks in their saffron robes are walking to advocate for peace and have become fixtures on social media, along with their rescue dog Aloka. Read more. Why this matters: The monks' simple message has resonated across the U.S. as a welcome respite from conflict and political divisions. Thousands have gathered along Southern roadsides to watch the monks' quiet, single-file procession that began in late October. Millions have followed them online. On Tuesday, the monks will complete 108 days of walking. It's a sacred number in Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. It represents spiritual completion, cosmic order and the wholeness of existence. RELATED COVERAGE ➤ WATCH: Reactions to the monks in North Carolina ADVERTISEMENT IN OTHER NEWS READ Kidnapping case: Savannah Guthrie says the family is 'at an hour of desperation' Epstein files: How Keir Starmer could be replaced as UK leader if fallout brings him down Measles: Mexico state steps up screening in schools as cases grow Record snow drought: Western US fears a spring of water shortages and wildfires Catherine O'Hara: Actor died from a pulmonary embolism. Cancer was the underlying cause  Lindsey Vonn: Father tells AP he wants her to retire from ski racing after Olympic crash Today in History: In 1996, world chess champion Garry Kasparov lost the first game of a match against an IBM computer dubbed 'Deep Blue' WATCH Saudi Arabia: AI dominates World Defense Show Olympics: Pin trading thrives in Cortina A CHANGE OF PACE Anastasia Richman, from left, Chela Papaccioli, Nova Brown and Maria Suppa pose at a Galentine's Day party hosted by Papaccioli in Franklin Lakes, N.J. on Feb. 16, 2025. (Joyce Shmaruk via AP) Why some women choose Galentines over Valentines. And how they might celebrate Galentine's Day became a pop culture phenomenon with a 2010 episode of "Parks and Recreation" that celebrated female friendships around Valentine's Day. It has become a popular alternative celebration for those who don't like how the traditional holiday can come with uncomfortable relationship pressures. Here are some ways to create a fun-filled Galentine's Day experience. Please let us know what you think of this newsletter. You can sign up for more and invite a friend here. For news in real time visit APNews.com. - Siddharth Please let us know what you think of this newsletter. You can sign up for more and invite a friend here. For news in real time visit APNews.com. - Siddharth SUPPORT THE AP. DONATE. Manage preferences or unsubscribe | Privacy Policy *Advertisers have no control over editorial decisions or content. If you're interested in advertising, contact us here. ADVERTISEMENT