Government Shutdown Continues, Impacting DHS Workers

President Donald Trump stated he will soon sign an order to ensure all Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employees receive payment. This announcement comes as a partial government shutdown continues to disrupt federal operations.

Trump Pledges Support for DHS Employees

In a post on Truth Social, President Trump acknowledged the hardship faced by DHS workers and their families, stating they “have suffered far too long.” He assured them that “help is on the way” for those who have been working without pay during the shutdown.

Previous Action Focused on TSA

Last week, President Trump signed an executive order directing Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to prioritize payment for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents. These agents had been working without pay since February 14th. While many TSA employees have since received at least one paycheck, employees at other DHS agencies remain unpaid.

Unpaid Agencies Within DHS

Several key agencies within the Department of Homeland Security continue to operate without full employee compensation. These include the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Coast Guard, and the U.S. Secret Service.

Congressional Efforts to End Shutdown Stall

Congressional Republicans are currently developing a plan to restore funding for DHS. Their proposal involves fully funding most of the department, excluding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol.

Funding Bills Face Obstacles

Efforts to advance funding stalled on Thursday. The Senate passed a DHS funding bill that excluded funding for immigration enforcement, while the House of Representatives did not take any action on the matter.

Democratic Concerns Over ICE Policies

Democrats have been blocking DHS funding for over a month, citing concerns regarding policies related to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. They are requesting that ICE agents operate without masks, visibly display identification, and refrain from enforcement actions near sensitive locations like hospitals and schools.