Veterans Nonprofit Aids Unpaid TSA Workers at Detroit Airport

Downriver for Veterans steps up to help TSA employees struggling during government shutdown

Mar. 22, 2026 at 4:48pm

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A veterans nonprofit organization, Downriver for Veterans, is working to assist unpaid TSA workers at Detroit Metro Airport who are struggling to make ends meet during the ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown. The group is receiving calls from TSA employees in need and is trying to provide support, but is facing restrictions on the types of donations they can accept.

Why it matters

The government shutdown has put federal employees, especially TSA workers who are responsible for airport security, in a difficult financial situation. This story highlights the impact on these workers and the efforts of a local nonprofit to step in and provide assistance when the government has failed to do so.

The details

TSA representatives say their employees are trying to figure out how to feed their families and keep the lights on at home. Rose Ann Walsh of Downriver for Veterans says she has been receiving call after call from TSA workers in need of help. However, the group is limited in the types of donations they can provide, as TSA workers can only accept donations from certain organizations and specific gift cards that are no more than $20. Greg Simpkins, president of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 778 which represents TSA workers at Detroit Metro Airport, says the struggles are taking a toll, with some single parents unable to afford daycare and struggling to buy groceries.

  • The Department of Homeland Security shutdown is ongoing.

The players

Downriver for Veterans

A veterans nonprofit organization working to assist unpaid TSA workers at Detroit Metro Airport during the government shutdown.

Rose Ann Walsh

A volunteer with Downriver for Veterans who is receiving calls from TSA workers in need of help.

Greg Simpkins

President of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 778, which represents TSA workers at Detroit Metro Airport.

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What they’re saying

“It's sad and good at the same time. It's sad they have to go through this.”

— Rose Ann Walsh, Downriver for Veterans volunteer

“When I heard this, I was floored because how do you not pay the most important people in the U.S., and not pay them, and then limit their way to survive? That is just ludicrous.”

— Rose Ann Walsh, Downriver for Veterans volunteer

“They took an oath to make sure that the traveling public get to where they need to get to safely, and to be a pawn in this game of politics is so undeserving.”

— Greg Simpkins, President, American Federation of Government Employees Local 778

“What I'm seeing with ICE, I don't think they have the compassion we have to do the job.”

— Greg Simpkins, President, American Federation of Government Employees Local 778

What’s next

President Trump has said that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will soon assist TSA agents at airports, but Greg Simpkins is unsure if this will be effective, stating that he does not believe ICE agents have the same level of compassion as TSA workers.

The takeaway

This story highlights the difficult situation facing federal employees, especially TSA workers, during the government shutdown, and the efforts of a local nonprofit to step in and provide assistance when the government has failed to do so. It raises questions about the government's treatment of its own workers and the potential impact on airport security if TSA staffing issues continue.