DHS calls back thousands of furloughed workers, putting ...
The Department of Homeland Security is ordering thousands of furloughed employees back to work, even as much of the agency remains unfunded.
cbs2iowa.comHere’s the latest on DHS furloughed employees recalled, as of April 2026:
- The Department of Homeland Security announced recalls of thousands of furloughed staff to paid status, even though large portions of the department remained unfunded during the ongoing partial government shutdown. The recalls were framed as necessary to maintain national security, disaster response readiness, and critical operations (e.g., FEMA, cybersecurity) [source coverage indicates a broad recall order and that staff were directed to report on their next scheduled duty day].[1][4]
- The recall involved agencies such as FEMA and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), with estimates that hundreds to thousands of employees would return to work. Reports highlighted that the move blurred lines between furloughed and non-furloughed staff during the shutdown.[2][3]
- Funding for back pay came from emergency measures and existing funding authorities, with warnings that funds may be temporary and that further pay status changes could occur if Congress or the administration redirected funds. Some outlets noted questions under antideficiency rules and the broader implications for visa processing and travel programs.[3][1]
Context and interpretation:
- This appears to be part of a broad executive effort to maintain essential DHS capabilities during a prolonged funding lapse, using available funds to compensate furloughed workers, and instructing them to report to duty on scheduled days. Expect updates as Congress and the administration negotiate funding or additional remedies for the shutdown period.[4][1]
If you’d like, I can pull more precise figures (how many employees recalled per agency, exact dates they were instructed to return, and the current status of back pay) and provide brief, sourced summaries.