TSA Workers Frustrated as DHS Shutdown Threatens Paychecks

Shutdown comes as TSA still recovers from last year's 40-day closure, raising fears of worker exodus.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Department of Homeland Security shutdown this weekend, leaving Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers worried about potential missed paychecks. The shutdown comes as the TSA is still trying to recover from the last government closure that lasted over 40 days. Union representatives warn the shutdown could lead to a loss of TSA workers in New England, making it harder to recruit new staff.

Why it matters

The DHS shutdown will impact key federal agencies like the TSA, FEMA, Coast Guard, and Secret Service, potentially leaving thousands of workers without paychecks. This could disrupt critical government services and raise concerns about public safety, especially at airports where TSA staffing is already strained.

The details

The DHS shutdown occurred after Democrats and Republicans failed to reach an agreement on funding for the department. Democrats have been pushing for new restrictions on federal immigration enforcement following a recent incident. While ICE agents will continue to be paid, TSA and other DHS workers could miss paychecks in the coming weeks. Union representatives say the shutdown will force workers to choose between paying for essentials like heat, food, and rent.

  • The DHS shutdown began just after midnight on Saturday, February 15, 2026.
  • The previous government shutdown that impacted the TSA lasted more than 40 days.

The players

Mike Gayzagian

President of AFGE Local 2617 New England, which represents TSA workers throughout the region.

AFGE Local 2617

The union that represents TSA workers in New England.

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What they’re saying

“This can't become the new normal and if it does, it's really going to do lasting damage to federal services and TSA specifically, so we need to end it quickly.”

— Mike Gayzagian, President, AFGE Local 2617 New England (boston25news.com)

“The politics shouldn't affect our pay. We have absolutely nothing to do with that situation.”

— Mike Gayzagian, President, AFGE Local 2617 New England (boston25news.com)

“A lot of the officers are very anxious because we're in the middle of winter and now, we're going to have to choose between paying for heat and paying for food and rent if the checks don't come through in the next couple of weeks.”

— Mike Gayzagian, President, AFGE Local 2617 New England (boston25news.com)

“We need to recruit people and people out there see this and they say, 'well, why am I going to work for a place that cuts off my pay randomly?' and it's going to make it really tough.”

— Mike Gayzagian, President, AFGE Local 2617 New England (boston25news.com)

“We're there to protect aviation were going to do our jobs to the best of our ability but it's really unfair and quite disrespectful to be honest with you that this is happening to us again.”

— Mike Gayzagian, President, AFGE Local 2617 New England (boston25news.com)

What’s next

There's no saying how long this shutdown could last, but some experts say it could take weeks before Democrats and Republicans reach any sort of agreement.

The takeaway

The DHS shutdown threatens to disrupt critical government services and undermine public trust, especially if it leads to a loss of experienced TSA workers. This highlights the need for a more stable and reliable federal budgeting process to avoid repeated disruptions that harm both workers and the public.