Updated
Management
Noem fired from DHS amid agency shutdown, Trump taps Mullin as successor
The controversial Homeland Security leader will end her tenure amid a budget shutdown of her agency and following bipartisan criticism in both houses of Congress.
Management
Kristi Noem misled Congress about top aide’s role in DHS contracts
Testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Noem denied that Corey Lewandowski had any role in approving contracts. But internal DHS records and interviews with current and former agency staffers contradict her testimony.
Workforce
DOJ contradicts FEMA on who approved mass firings
"I don't have a great explanation for that," a DOJ lawyer says when asked to clarify in court.
Oversight
Homeland Security Department is stonewalling watchdog investigations, GOP senator alleges
Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., said that he would procedurally obstruct the legislative process until officials respond to his questions about department oversight.
Management
Congress searches for shutdown off-ramp as DHS employees start missing pay
Republican leaders hope a new vote this week, and pressure from war in Iran, will help spur a breakthrough on DHS funding.
Management
5 things to watch with the DHS shutdown
COMMENTARY | The Homeland Security Department has already been at the center of unprecedented government shutdown history this year, here's why this recent lone agency impasse could be different from others.
News
Trump uses State of the Union to call for end of DHS shutdown, declares ‘war on fraud’
The president also promised to expand the type of retirement savings account currently available to federal employees to the general public.
Pay & Benefits
Still digging out from the last shutdown, DHS employees brace for more delayed pay
Employees are finding ways to save on commuting and child care costs, while DHS agencies say their operations are suffering.
Oversight
Amid immigration agent hiring surge, watchdog flags shortages on the U.S.-Canada border
Only 77% of surveillance specialist openings were filled at the end of fiscal 2024, according to a recent Government Accountability Office report.
Pay & Benefits
Air traffic controller pay raise stalled by DHS shutdown
A House appropriations bill that previously authorized a 3.8% pay raise for air traffic controllers remains on hold as Senate Democrats continue to call for immigration policy reforms.
Management
DHS to shut down after lawmakers, White House fail to reach agreement on funding and reforms
Most non-ICE, non-CBP employees are now facing potentially delayed paychecks.
Management
Public health workers are quitting over assignments to Guantánamo
The Trump administration's immigration policies have directed nearly 800 detainees to the U.S. military base in Cuba, but some officials from the U.S. Public Health Service tasked with overseeing their treatment are raising concerns.
Oversight
Watchdog flags gaps in Coast Guard’s handling of discrimination complaints
More than half of the incidents analyzed in the report, which looked back to fiscal 1998, occurred between fiscal 2019 and 2024.
Management
DHS officials implore lawmakers not to force their employees to endure more delayed pay during a shutdown
With the deadline nearing, leaders at the Homeland Security Department warn of long waits at airports and diminished disaster recovery if Congress fails to act.
Workforce
CISA’s acting chief says 70 staff were reassigned to other DHS offices in last year
The cyberdefense agency in turn received some 30 employees from other DHS components, while a “handful” of CISA staffers were transferred to ICE, Madhu Gottumukkala told lawmakers.
Workforce
Congress paused all federal layoffs for 3 months. That's set to change this week
A ban on agency RIFs is scheduled to be lifted after Feb. 13.
Oversight
DHS implies it will stop certain oversight investigations, senator alleges
A Homeland Security Department official stressed in a statement that the secretary has the authority to pause some inspector general inquiries.
Management
Super Bowl gears up for massive security operation
While immigration officials will reportedly not be present at the San Francisco game this weekend, a raft of federal, state and local agencies will be on site to keep the event safe from various threats.
Workforce
The tail wagging the dog: Snapshots of the public service a year into the second Trump administration
COMMENTARY | One year in, DOGE and the Trump administration have had profound effects on the federal civil service, but looking at the numbers, it's not always where one expects.
Management