TSA Agents Work Without Pay as Homeland Security Shutdown Continues

Experts warn of long security lines if the shutdown drags on and more officers take unscheduled absences.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A shutdown of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has gone into effect, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), whose officers are responsible for screening passengers and bags at airports. TSA agents are required to stay on the job without pay during the shutdown that started on Saturday. Experts say mass flight cancellations are less likely this time compared to the 2025 shutdown, but warn of long security lines if the shutdown drags on and more officers take unscheduled absences.

Why it matters

The shutdown threatens to disrupt air travel as the busy spring break travel period approaches, raising concerns about the impact on the travel and airline industry as well as passengers.

The details

The shutdown includes the Transportation Security Administration, whose officers are responsible for screening passengers and bags at airports. Experts say mass flight cancellations like those seen during the 2025 shutdown are less likely this time because air traffic controllers are still getting paid. But TSA officers are required to stay on the job without pay during the Homeland Security shutdown.

  • The Homeland Security shutdown started on Saturday, February 14, 2026.

The players

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The federal agency responsible for screening passengers and bags at U.S. airports.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

Experts warn that long security lines are likely if the shutdown drags on and more TSA officers take unscheduled absences.

The takeaway

The TSA shutdown highlights the ongoing political battles over government funding and the potential impact on critical transportation infrastructure and the travel industry.