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DHS Employees Work Without Pay Amid Ongoing Shutdown

4/1/2026

32 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Tens of thousands of Department of Homeland Security employees are working without pay, amid a partial government shutdown that began on February 14 over immigration funding.
Most Transportation Security Administration workers began receiving back pay, although future payments remain uncertain.
Nearly 92% of DHS employees continue to work, while FEMA and Coast Guard staff are among those awaiting compensation.

History

Historical Context

The U.S. government shutdown of October 1-17, 2013, lasted 16 days due to disputes over the Affordable Care Act, furloughing approximately 800,000 federal employees. This shutdown disrupted essential services and cost the economy an estimated $24 billion. The current partial shutdown reflects ongoing funding disputes, particularly affecting the Department of Homeland Security, where many employees are again working without pay.

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Story summary

Tens of thousands of Department of Homeland Security employees are working without pay, amid a partial government shutdown that began on February 14 over immigration funding.
Most Transportation Security Administration workers began receiving back pay, although future payments remain uncertain.
Nearly 92% of DHS employees continue to work, while FEMA and Coast Guard staff are among those awaiting compensation.

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