More than 400 TSA officers have quit since shutdown began
Over 400 TSA Employees Have Left Amid Government Shutdown
The Department of Homeland Security reported that more than 400 Transportation Security Administration staff have departed since the partial government shutdown began on February 14. This has left many TSA workers without compensation, prompting concerns about their financial stability. The shutdown was triggered by Democratic demands for reforms at Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection, following allegations of misconduct and the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by federal agents in Minneapolis earlier this year.
Workforce Struggles and Callout Rates
Lauren Bis, acting assistant secretary for public affairs at DHS, noted that a 10% callout rate has been observed at TSA across more than half of the past week’s days. The agency employs approximately 65,000 individuals, with 50,000 serving as frontline officers tasked with airport security. Of those who have resigned during the shutdown, nearly half have over three years of service, and a third have more than five years, according to DHS data.
“I face the risk of eviction and could end up homeless,” said Anthony Riley, a 58-year-old married father of three, who has been working unpaid for weeks.
Some workers have voiced worries about unpaid bills and their overall situation, with Riley highlighting the potential for personal hardship. Meanwhile, airports have seen longer wait times and growing frustration among travelers. The highest callout rate during the shutdown reached 10.22% on Friday, as reported by a DHS spokesperson.
Disproportionate Impact on Specific Airports
At John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City, the callout rate hit 29.5% on Friday, while Houston Intercontinental Airport recorded 36.6% the same day. Houston Hobby Airport had an even higher rate of 51.5%, according to the spokesperson. These figures underscore the strain on TSA operations during the funding hiatus.
Senate Votes and Political Stance
In the U.S. Senate, a Democratic proposal to fund TSA alone without covering the rest of DHS failed to secure the necessary 60 votes. The 41-49 vote split along party lines, reflecting broader political divisions. Senate Democrats previously rejected Republican attempts to fully fund DHS, with leaders like Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries advocating for ICE reforms.
February saw the release of specific reforms outlined by the Democratic senators, including ending indiscriminate arrests, banning ICE officers from wearing masks, and addressing racial profiling. The administration has attributed the shutdown to Democrats, labeling it the “Democrat DHS shutdown.”
Trump’s Threat and ICE Funding
President Donald Trump threatened to deploy ICE to airports on Truth Social, but funding for the agency remained intact. ICE received $75 billion in additional support from the “big, beautiful bill,” a major legislative achievement passed and signed into law last year.
“It’s unfair to citizens to endure this situation,” said Joe Smollen, who traveled from Newark Liberty International Airport to San Diego. “These workers are very diligent, and it’s unfair they’re being singled out.”
Smollen expressed hope for a congressional resolution to the funding stalemate. The article was produced by NBC News’ Jay Blackman, covering transportation, space, medical, and consumer issues, and reported by Phil Helsel.
