The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has initiated a strategy to reshape its workforce by offering buyouts and early retirement options to employees. This move comes as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to streamline the federal workforce. An internal email titled “Reshaping of the DHS Workforce” was circulated, revealing that staff have three choices: deferred resignation, early retirement, or accepting a voluntary separation payment. Some of these options come with a lump-sum payment that could reach $25,000 in some instances.
Staff members have been given a deadline of April 14 to decide whether they wish to take advantage of these offers. When approached for further information, the Department did not disclose how many employees it expects to accept the buyouts or whether this would lead to future workforce reductions.
“These measures align with President Trump’s commitment to a government that efficiently serves its citizens,” spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin expressed in a statement. She emphasized that every DHS position and dollar should support its core mission of ensuring national security and public safety.
Unlike some other governmental departments, DHS has largely avoided mass layoffs. It has even taken to social media to recruit individuals for critical roles within immigration enforcement agencies, such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security Investigations. However, there have been cutbacks in specific areas, including a center that combats targeted violence and terrorism, and earlier in the year, 200 FEMA probationary employees were terminated. Additionally, several oversight offices within the department have been severely reduced.
According to the email from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, this restructuring is intended to align the workforce with evolving mission needs while also accommodating the personal and professional ambitions of DHS employees. Detailed guidance is expected from individual components within the agency regarding eligibility for these offers, with “mission critical frontline workforce” largely excluded from buyouts.
Law enforcement personnel are notably exempt from these offers, a crucial point given their significant presence in roles such as Customs and Border Protection. DHS, established in response to the Sept. 11 attacks, consolidates 22 different agencies, and includes entities like the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Coast Guard, the Secret Service, and major components of national immigration and border security efforts.