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Beaufort Today
By the People, for the People
Hilton Head TSA Agents Receive Community Donations During Shutdown
Local airport official establishes GoFundMe to support TSA workers affected by extended federal funding lapse.
Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:05am
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As the Department of Homeland Security shutdown continued for over 45 days, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees at Hilton Head Island Airport were left without paychecks. In response, Rich Sells, a member of the Beaufort County Airports Board, established a GoFundMe account to collect donations and provide financial assistance to the affected TSA agents.
Why it matters
The Hilton Head Island Airport is a major economic driver for the local community, and the TSA agents are critical to keeping the airport operational. With the agents working without pay, there were concerns the airport may have had to close, disrupting travel and commerce. The community rallied to support the TSA workers during this difficult time.
The details
Sells set up the GoFundMe account, which raised almost $11,000 of its $12,000 goal as of March 30. The funds were used to purchase food and gas cards that were distributed to the 17 TSA agents at the Hilton Head Island Airport. Volunteers also provided meals for the agents. The donations were able to be distributed quickly to help the agents who were 'stretched to their limit financially', especially those with spouses also working for TSA at other airports.
- The Department of Homeland Security shutdown began on February 14, 2026.
- As of March 30, 2026, the shutdown had lasted for 45 days.
- On March 27, 2026, President Trump issued an emergency order directing DHS to pay TSA workers.
- On March 30, 2026, the formal order to pay TSA staff was issued.
The players
Rich Sells
A member of the Beaufort County Airports Board who established the GoFundMe account to support the Hilton Head Island TSA agents affected by the shutdown.
Rocio Rexrode
The Hilton Head Island Airport and Beaufort Executive Airport Senior Administrative Specialist, who said 17 TSA employees were helped through the community's donations.
What they’re saying
“The airport is a major economic engine for the Town of Hilton Head as well as Beaufort County. TSA workers are critical to the airport remaining open. Without those dedicated folks coming to work with no pay the airport would have had to close.”
— Rich Sells, Member, Beaufort County Airports Board
“This was a good community effort, and they (TSA workers) were so thankful for the donations.”
— Rocio Rexrode, Hilton Head Island Airport and Beaufort Executive Airport Senior Administrative Specialist
What’s next
Sells said he is hopeful the TSA employees will never again have to suffer that kind of hardship from a government shutdown.
The takeaway
This community-driven effort to support local TSA agents during a prolonged government shutdown highlights the importance of public-private partnerships and the resilience of small-town economies that rely on major transportation hubs like the Hilton Head Island Airport.
