Trump Promises ICE Agents Pay During Government Shutdown
During the current federal government shutdown, the Trump administration has announced plans to ensure that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents continue to receive their paychecks. This decision comes as a relief to many, particularly those working on the front lines of immigration enforcement.
Ensuring Pay for Key Personnel During Shutdown
This move follows a previous announcement that pay would also continue uninterrupted for FBI agents and members of the military. The administration's commitment to paying ICE and CBP agents highlights the importance placed on these agencies in fulfilling President Trump's priorities, especially concerning immigration policies. The continued operation of these agencies is considered vital to maintaining border security and enforcing immigration laws.
Reuters reports that approximately 64,000 workers could benefit from this promise. This includes a significant portion of the workforce at both ICE and CBP. However, questions remain about the specifics of how these payments will be processed, given that a large percentage of staff are typically paid through Congress' annual appropriations process.
Details Remain Unclear on How Payments Will Be Made
Specifically, around 97% of CBP's 67,000 employees and 95% of ICE's 22,000 employees rely on congressional appropriations for their salaries. With the appropriations process stalled due to the shutdown, alternative methods for disbursing paychecks are being explored. As of yet, detailed plans haven't been publicized.
Aside from ICE and CBP agents, federal air marshals are also slated to receive their pay during the shutdown, further emphasizing the administration's focus on ensuring the continued operation of key law enforcement and security agencies.
Shutdown Continues Amidst Funding Disputes
The federal government shutdown, which began at the end of September, has led to furloughs for numerous federal workers. While the administration initially attempted broader measures such as mass layoffs, these efforts have been temporarily blocked by a federal judge. The current situation underscores the ongoing disputes surrounding government funding and spending priorities.
There have also been questions raised by the Trump administration about whether all federal workers will receive back pay once the shutdown concludes. While a 2019 law, signed by Trump, typically mandates back pay for furloughed employees, the possibility of exceptions has been suggested.
President Trump has indicated that decisions regarding back pay could be influenced by individual performance or perceived merit, stating that some workers "really don't deserve to be taken care of." This approach has sparked debate about fairness and the treatment of federal employees during government shutdowns.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops. For more detailed information, you can read the original article at The Daily Beast.
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