More than 400 TSA officers have quit since shutdown began
Over 400 TSA Employees Leave Agency Amid Government Shutdown
The Department of Homeland Security reported that more than 400 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers have departed since the partial government shutdown began on February 14. The shutdown left these employees without pay, as funding for the agency was suspended due to disagreements over reforms for the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) division. The dispute centered on alleged misconduct, including the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by federal agents in Minneapolis earlier this year.
Lauren Bis, acting assistant secretary for public affairs at DHS, noted a 10% nationwide callout rate for TSA staff during the shutdown. The agency, which employs around 65,000 individuals, relies heavily on its 50,000 frontline officers to manage airport security. Of those who left, nearly half had over three years of experience, and a third had more than five years, according to DHS data.
Some workers expressed concerns about financial strain, with unpaid bills and the threat of homelessness looming. Anthony Riley, a 58-year-old father of three, shared his struggles earlier this month, stating he risked eviction after weeks of working without compensation. “I think it’s unfair to citizens to have to put up with it,” said Joe Smollen, a traveler from Newark Liberty International Airport. “And these poor people who work here, they’re very, very diligent in what they do, we need them.”
Airport delays and frustrations have intensified since the shutdown. The highest callout rate on Friday reached 10.22%, with John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City experiencing 29.5% absenteeism and Houston Intercontinental Airport at 36.6%. Houston Hobby Airport had the highest rate at 51.5%, according to DHS.
In the U.S. Senate, a Democratic proposal to fund only TSA workers failed to secure the required 60 votes, with the vote split along party lines. Senate Democrats later rejected a Republican effort to fully fund DHS, deepening the standoff. The administration has criticized Democrats, labeling the shutdown as the “Democrat DHS shutdown.” President Donald Trump, on Truth Social, warned of sending ICE to airports, though ICE received $75 billion in additional funding through the “big, beautiful bill” passed last year.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, both from New York, have advocated for reforms, including ending indiscriminate arrests, banning mask-wearing by ICE officers, and halting racial profiling. Their February outline of these changes remains a key point of contention.
Jay Blackman is an NBC News producer specializing in transportation, space, medical, and consumer issues. Phil Helsel is a reporter for NBC News.
