TSA workers to receive pay after six-week shutdown

After nearly six weeks without pay, about 50,000 Transportation Security Administration officers will finally receive their salaries as emergency funds begin to roll out. 

The move follows President Donald Trump’s order for emergency pay for TSA workers during the federal closure, allowing paychecks to begin arriving as early as Monday.

The relief comes after a prolonged shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which began on February 14 amid a political standoff over immigration policy.

During the crisis, TSA workers continued working without pay, with many missing at least two paychecks. Financial strain led to widespread absenteeism, with around 12% of officers calling out and more than 400–500 employees quitting.

The government stepped in after airport operations were severely disrupted.

Meanwhile, Border Czar Tom Homan said Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will remain at airports until TSA operations fully recover, helping fill staffing gaps.

Travel disruptions continue
Despite the pay relief, travel disruptions are expected to continue. Training new officers can take four to six months, worsening the shortage, while the broader shutdown remains unresolved as lawmakers stay divided over DHS funding.