The Department of Homeland Security announced this week that over 1,000 Transportation Security Administration officers have left their posts since the department's funding lapsed in mid-February, deepening concerns about airport security and travel disruptions as the FIFA World Cup approaches.
In a post on Monday, DHS wrote on the social platform X that the departures were not voluntary, stating that more than 1,000 TSA officers “have been forced to leave the force” due to the shutdown. The department warned that the loss of personnel “has SIGNIFICANTLY decreased TSA’s ability to meet passenger demand and left critical gaps in staffing,” noting that each new recruit requires four to six months of training.
The United States, along with Canada and Mexico, is set to host the men's World Cup starting in June. Earlier this month, the U.S. Travel Association cautioned that while the event could deliver major economic benefits, safety concerns have emerged as a top worry among potential visitors.
Emergency Funds Dwindling
President Trump authorized the release of nearly $10 billion in emergency funds from the GOP’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act earlier this month to pay DHS employees across 22 separate agencies. However, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said last week that those funds are expected to run out in early May, leaving the department unable to cover salaries. As of April 17, the Office of Management and Budget reported that the emergency funds had been depleted to less than $1.4 billion.
Until the Trump administration tapped into those funds, TSA officer absences had already caused lengthy wait times at airports nationwide. The situation has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers and travel industry groups.
Acting TSA Administrator Warns of Time Crunch
Acting TSA Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill told the House Homeland Security Committee on March 25 that as of the prior day, roughly 460 officers had left since the current funding lapse began. She also noted that approximately 1,110 TSA officers departed during the 43-day shutdown in the fall. “TSA does not have the luxury of time,” McNeill warned. “The FIFA World Cup is kicking off on June 11 — less than three months away. We are anticipating a significant influx in passenger volume as fans travel through our airports to see the games.”
She added that even if TSA were to hire new officers immediately after the DHS shutdown ends, they would not be ready to work checkpoints until well after the World Cup concludes.
The ongoing funding crisis has also raised broader security concerns, particularly after recent incidents such as the shooting at the WHCA dinner. In response, some lawmakers have pushed for increased security measures, including a proposed $400 million White House ballroom upgrade, as reported by Graham and other GOP leaders.
Political Standoff Over Immigration Enforcement
The DHS shutdown stems from a political standoff on Capitol Hill. Democrats have demanded reforms to immigration enforcement procedures following the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, by federal officers in Minneapolis earlier this year. Republicans, meanwhile, are pursuing a two-step funding approach: first passing a bill to fund all DHS agencies except Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol, then using the budget reconciliation process to fund those remaining agencies.
Speaker Mike Johnson said Monday that a bipartisan Senate bill to fund most of DHS contains “some problematic language.” The Louisiana Republican added that his conference has drafted a modified version of the bill, which could further delay a resolution. Johnson’s revision of the Senate DHS funding bill risks prolonging the shutdown, as detailed in recent reporting.
With the World Cup just weeks away and summer travel season looming, the pressure on DHS and TSA is mounting. The department’s warning underscores the potential for significant disruptions at airports across the country if funding is not restored soon.
