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DHS Issues Back Pay as Memo Warns Future Paychecks Are at Risk

A federal warning signals stopgap pay will end without a funding deal.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security seal is displayed ahead of an expected press conference held by U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem at the FEMA National Response Coordination Center in Washington, D.C., U.S., January 24, 2026. REUTERS/Nathan Howard.
The impasse has left TSA agents and other federal workers either sent home or working without guaranteed pay

Overview

  • Presidential orders triggered retroactive pay for TSA officers and many other Homeland Security employees, and a DHS memo says furloughed staff are included.
  • The same memo outlines a short window for back‑pay deposits and tells many workers to hold timecards until further guidance because the next pay period is uncertain.
  • TSA employees received a large share of overdue wages earlier, with unions saying the remaining balances are scheduled with the next paycheck.
  • A federal notice cautions that without congressional funding, upcoming checks may stop, which unions say is heightening anxiety after weeks of missed pay.
  • Most DHS staff are still working, while pay for ICE, CBP, the Secret Service and Coast Guard personnel is currently covered by last summer’s GOP package as Congress struggles to craft a lasting fix.