By The Opinion
The Secretary of the United States Department of Homeland Security, Markwayne Mullin assured that employees affected by the recent partial shutdown of the federal government will receive their back wages before the end of the weekafter more than six weeks without receiving full income.
During an interview with CBS Recordsdata, Mullin indicated that the majority of payments will be deposited into the workers’ bank accounts. no later than Friday, although in some cases they could be reflected until Monday, depending on the financial institutions.
The official made these statements while in Chimney Rock, on his first official visit since taking office. There recognized the efforts of thousands of employees who have continued to perform their duties without certainty of receiving their salary.
As Democrats proceed to play political video games with our nationwide security, @POTUS Trump and @SecMullinDHS are working at some point of the clock to verify DHS staff are paid and our nation is safe.
The madness has to forest. It’s time for Democrats to FULLY fund DHS. pic.twitter.com/aJU19GZdhF
— Place of origin Safety (@DHSgov) April 6, 2026
Payments depend on decisions of Congress
Mullin explained that the release of resources to cover back wages was possible thanks to an executive order and the use of existing fundsalthough he warned that this measure does not represent a permanent solution. He stressed that the payment of future payrolls will depend entirely on Congress approving the corresponding financing.
“From now on, we will have to wait for the decision of Congress,” he said, referring to the high cost of maintaining the operation of the Department of Homeland Security. considered the third largest agency in the federal government.
The secretary also criticized Democratic legislators for the budget impasseby ensuring that the lack of agreements has put the functioning of multiple agencies in charge of national security at risk.
The partial government shutdown, which began on February 14, has affected about 92% of the approximately 272,000 DHS employees, many of whom have continued working despite financial uncertainty. While some have already begun receiving payments, such as Transportation Security Administration workers, others remain on unpaid leave.
According to authorities, part of the salaries has been covered by funds previously allocated to border security and immigration initiatives, promoted during the Donald Trump administration.
Despite progress in dispersing payments, the agency’s financial future remains uncertainas long as the legislative blockade in the Capitol is not resolved.
Keep reading:
- Republicans debate to what extent they should expand funds to ICE and CBP
- How much does an ICE agent earn in 2026 and why the salary is under scrutiny
- Trump signs executive order to guarantee payment to TSA employees
