DHS Workers Unpaid for Weeks: 'Never Seen Morale So Low'
The partial U.S. government shutdown, now over six weeks long, has left tens of thousands of Department of Homeland Security employees unpaid due to congressional disputes over immigration enforcement. While TSA workers received back pay via executive action, others in FEMA, CBP, ICE, and the Coast Guard have not been paid since February. Workers report severe financial hardships, including selling possessions, borrowing money, and facing housing and childcare issues. Personal accounts reveal low morale, depression, and uncertainty. President Trump has pledged to expand pay to all DHS workers, but no concrete timeline exists without congressional approval. CNN's collection of over 100 responses highlights the ongoing human impact.
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After six weeks of a partial government shutdown, tens of thousands of Department of Homeland Security employees remain unpaid, facing financial crises and record-low morale, while only TSA workers have received partial back pay.
Background of the Shutdown
The partial shutdown, now in its seventh week, stems from congressional disagreements over immigration enforcement reforms. President Donald Trump issued an executive action to pay Transportation Security Administration employees, but other DHS agencies—including FEMA, CBP, ICE, and the US Coast Guard—have not received salaries since February.
Unpaid DHS Workers and Financial Hardships
Employees across these agencies are struggling with basic expenses. Many have resorted to selling personal items, borrowing from family, and cutting back on necessities like childcare. The uncertainty over payment timelines has led to housing instability, with some moving back with parents or facing mortgage defaults.
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Personal Stories from Affected Employees
CNN received over 100 responses from DHS workers, whose identities were verified. Here are some accounts:
“Family members have started sending me money... I haven't stopped crying.” — Anonymous Government accountant, CBP Indiana
“I'm selling clothing on Poshmark... I'll probably have to call family to see if they can loan me money.” — Anonymous Non-agent role, CBP Arizona
“I can't go sign a lease... I love what I do. But it sucks when you're being forced to do it without pay.” — Ryan, Technician/animal caretaker, CBP Southern California
“I can't probably pay my next mortgage... I've never seen the morale so low.” — Anonymous FEMA official, Washington, DC
“I am a single parent... I am behind on my rent and behind on my child care payments.” — Anonymous Enforcement removal assistant, ICE New York City
“We put an offer on a house... I've never felt so underappreciated and disrespected.” — Maurice, Mission support specialist, ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations Virginia
“I am currently not working and not getting paid... how I am going to pay for my next round of IVF.” — Anonymous Contractor, DHS
“I've been furloughed more than 3 months... my heart goes out to them.” — Anonymous Individual assistance, FEMA New Jersey
“This month I will not be able to pay my mortgage... I have to think of my children first.” — Anonymous Civilian employee, US Coast Guard Massachusetts
“This shutdown has thrown me into a tailspin of depression... I have now missed my latest mortgage payment.” — Anonymous Mission support specialist, CBP New York
Government Response and Uncertainty
President Trump has vowed to extend pay to all DHS workers, but no executive order has been signed yet, and Congress has not reached an agreement on funding. The lack of a clear timeline leaves employees in prolonged financial distress, with many seeking alternative employment or facing mental health challenges.
CNN has reached out to DHS for comment and verified all worker identities in this report.
