Trump Admin to Pay 70K DHS Officers During Shutdown

Published 11 hours ago·Updated 4 hours ago

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Above: U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem at the White House on Oct. 8, 2025. Image copyright: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

The Spin

Republican narrative

Paying law enforcement officers during the shutdown protects America's safety while Democrats play political games with national security. ICE, CBP and other DHS agents continue arresting dangerous criminals like pedophiles and drug traffickers despite working without pay due to Democrat obstruction. Thanks to President Trump and the One Big Beautiful Bill, these brave officers will now be paid just like the military, ensuring our homeland defenders can keep protecting communities despite Democrat shutdown tactics.

Kristi Noem on X trump-department-of-homeland-security Congressman John James

Democratic narrative

Trump’s selective payment plan favors his preferred federal employees, rewarding ICE, CBP and other DHS agents while leaving most federal workers unpaid. The administration has even suggested in recent weeks that some furloughed employees may not be entitled to guaranteed back pay. By prioritizing agents involved in draconian immigration raids over teachers, clerks, and other essential staff, the administration is weaponizing paychecks for political purposes and creating a punitive hierarchy that undermines trust in government.

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