By Steve Neavling
The Department of Homeland Security is offering early retirement and buyout packages to employees as part of a broader Trump administration push to trim and reshape the federal workforce.
In an internal email titled “Reshaping of the DHS Workforce,” Secretary Kristi Noem outlined three options for staff who want to leave: deferred resignation, early retirement, and a voluntary separation payment of up to $25,000. Employees have until April 14 to apply, the Associated Press reports.
“This reflects our commitment to aligning our workforce with evolving mission needs while supporting the personal and professional goals of our dedicated employees,” Noem wrote. Law enforcement officers and other “mission-critical” staff are largely exempt.
DHS didn’t say how many employees are eligible or whether further cuts are planned. In a statement, spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said, “Every dollar spent and position filled at DHS should be focused on our core mission of securing our homeland and keeping the American people safe.”
While the department has largely avoided the mass layoffs seen at other agencies, some cuts have already hit oversight offices, a violence prevention center, and about 200 FEMA probationary employees. At the same time, DHS is actively recruiting for roles tied to immigration enforcement, including positions at ICE and Homeland Security Investigations.
Created after the Sept. 11 attacks, DHS includes FEMA, the Coast Guard, Secret Service, and agencies handling immigration and border security.
