The Department of Homeland Security is calling back thousands of employees who were furloughed during the partial government shutdown that began Feb. 14, a move that would expand the department’s on-the-job workforce even as funding gaps continue, according to Federal News Network.
- Agency: Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
- Action: Recalling furloughed employees to return to duty during the shutdown
- Shutdown timeline: Partial shutdown began Feb. 14
- Scale: Thousands of DHS employees affected (exact count not specified in the initial report)
- Status: Employees previously placed in furlough status are being directed back to work, per Federal News Network
- Operational impact: The recall is intended to bolster DHS staffing and continuity of operations during the lapse, Federal News Network reported
- Workforce categories: The change affects how DHS is using furloughed vs. excepted staffing during the shutdown (as described by Federal News Network)
Brief context
During a shutdown, agencies generally sort staff into categories such as “excepted” employees (who continue working because their duties are tied to safety of life/property or other exceptions) and “furloughed” employees (who are placed in a non-duty, non-pay status until funding is restored). Federal News Network reported DHS is now shifting its approach by bringing back employees who had been furloughed, signaling a change in how the department is managing shutdown-driven workforce disruptions.
The recall comes as DHS continues to manage mission requirements across components that include border and transportation security, emergency management, and cybersecurity. Federal News Network characterized the move as a significant operational adjustment during the ongoing funding lapse.
What it means for you
- If you were furloughed at DHS: Watch for official return-to-work instructions from your chain of command or component HR. A recall typically includes a reporting date/time and guidance on duty status, timekeeping, and reporting location/telework expectations.
- Pay and back pay: Shutdown pay rules and any back-pay obligations depend on enacted appropriations and applicable statutes. Employees should track official DHS/OPM guidance and retain documentation of notices and timekeeping.
- Timekeeping and status changes: Returning to duty may require updated timecards, leave adjustments, and coordination with supervisors—especially for employees who had already received furlough notices.
- Excepted vs. recalled: Being recalled is not the same as being previously designated “excepted.” Your component should specify your current status and what duties you’re authorized to perform.
For general shutdown workforce rules and terminology, see FedBrief’s explainer: https://fedbrief.org/ (shutdown coverage and policy primers).
Source: Federal News Network, “DHS calling furloughed staff back to work despite shutdown” (April 2026): https://federalnewsnetwork.com/government-shutdown/2026/04/dhs-calling-furloughed-staff-back-to-work-despite-shutdown/