What Happened
The Department of Homeland Security has been partially shut down for over six weeks, leaving approximately 61,000 TSA workers — 95% of the agency’s workforce — working without pay despite being classified as essential employees. These workers have missed two full paychecks and a partial one since February 14, when DHS funding lapsed.
The shutdown was triggered after federal agents shot and killed two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis during a federal immigration crackdown in early February. Democrats subsequently demanded changes to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations and refused to approve DHS funding without reforms to immigration enforcement policies.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on March 27, directing newly confirmed DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin to resume paying TSA employees. Workers are expected to receive paychecks starting March 30, though it’s unclear how long payments can continue without congressional approval of the agency’s budget.
Why It Matters
The prolonged shutdown has created a staffing crisis at airports nationwide, directly impacting millions of travelers during peak spring break season. Daily call-out rates among TSA officers have increased from 4% before the shutdown to 11% nationwide, with some airports experiencing call-out rates exceeding 40-50%.
Since the shutdown began, 510 TSA officers have quit as of March 27, adding to retention challenges the agency already faced. During a similar 43-day shutdown in late 2025, approximately 1,110 TSOs left the agency — a 25% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Many TSA workers live paycheck to paycheck, making the extended period without pay particularly devastating. Some airports have asked the public to donate grocery store and gas gift cards to support officers struggling to pay for basic necessities like rent, groceries, and childcare.
Background
TSA employees are classified as essential workers under federal shutdown procedures, meaning they must continue reporting to work to maintain airport security even when not being paid. This differs from other government employees who are furloughed during shutdowns.
The current funding dispute centers on immigration enforcement. After the February Minneapolis incident, Democrats have insisted on reforms to ICE operations and oversight of immigration enforcement activities. Republicans have rejected these conditions, leading to the ongoing stalemate.
The Senate passed a compromise bill that would fund most of DHS while excluding ICE and parts of Customs and Border Protection. However, the House rejected this approach, instead passing a stop-gap funding bill through May 22 that includes full immigration enforcement funding. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer declared the House bill “dead on arrival” in the upper chamber.
What’s Next
While Trump’s executive order provides temporary relief for TSA workers, the underlying funding crisis remains unresolved. The administration can only pay workers for a limited time without congressional appropriations, potentially creating another payment crisis if the shutdown continues.
Congress faces mounting pressure to resolve the dispute as airport delays and security concerns grow. The timing is particularly problematic given increased travel during spring break and the approaching summer travel season.
Travelers should expect continued potential delays and longer security lines at airports. The TSA has advised passengers to arrive early and check with their airlines for updates on potential impacts to their flights.
The situation highlights the vulnerability of essential workers during government shutdowns and the real-world consequences of congressional funding battles on public services that millions of Americans depend on daily.