Trump Administration Promises Pay for ICE Agents During Shutdown
Good News for ICE and CBP Agents During Government Shutdown
In recent news regarding the ongoing federal government shutdown, the Trump administration has announced plans to ensure that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents will continue to receive their paychecks. This move comes after a previous announcement that FBI agents and members of the military would also be shielded from pay disruptions during this period. This decision highlights the importance the administration places on these agencies, especially concerning its continued focus on immigration enforcement.
This promise could potentially benefit a combined 64,000 federal workers. According to reports, internal emails were sent to both ICE and CBP confirming this commitment. Ensuring these critical agencies remain operational is a priority for the administration during the shutdown.
Uncertainty Remains Regarding Funding Mechanisms
However, questions remain about how the administration plans to fund these payments. It's reported that a significant majority of CBP's 67,000 employees (around 97%) and ICE's 22,000 employees (approximately 95%) are typically paid through Congress's annual appropriations process. With the government currently shut down, the usual funding channels are disrupted, creating a logistical challenge for ensuring consistent pay.
More Federal Employees To Recieve Pay
Besides ICE, CBP, the FBI and the military, federal air marshals will also continue to receive pay during the ongoing shutdown. It's critical to keep vital services like this running while the government funding issues are resolved.
Shutdown Drags On, Layoffs Attempted
The federal government shutdown began at the end of September due to a failure to pass appropriations bills. Since then, there have been reports of attempted layoffs, such as at the Department of Education, which have been temporarily blocked by a federal judge. The potential for mass layoffs has added another layer of concern for federal employees during this already uncertain period.
The administration has also raised concerns about back pay for some workers once the shutdown concludes, even though the law requires back pay be issued.
Adding to the ambiguity, the president has indicated that back pay may not be guaranteed for all federal employees, stating that some individuals "don't deserve to be taken care of." This statement has fueled further anxiety among those affected by the shutdown.
We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available. Stay tuned for more information about the government shutdown and its impact on federal workers.
```