DHS shutdown leaves thousands unpaid as funding stalemate drags on

As the DHS shutdown nears its second month, roughly 90% of more than 260,000 employees are working without full pay, having received only partial wages earlier; most are in an “excepted” status and will be paid after funding resumes, while some components (like CBP and ICE) are still paid with discretionary funds. The unpaid period is straining employees’ finances and contributing to longer security wait times at airports, as lawmakers remain deadlocked on a funding agreement. Back pay is expected once funding returns, but not any additional compensation for late bills, prompting calls for legislation to guarantee pay during future lapses.