👮 Federal Law Enforcement
FBI, ICE, TSA, and others - deemed essential but work without pay during shutdowns
🚨 Law Enforcement During Shutdowns
Federal law enforcement agencies are almost universally deemed "excepted" or "essential" during government shutdowns. This means agents, officers, and investigators continue working to protect public safety—but they don't receive paychecks until the shutdown ends.
⚖️ Department of Justice Agencies
FBI
~35,000 employees | ~85% excepted
Criminal investigations, counterterrorism, counterintelligence continue
DEA
~10,000 employees | ~85% excepted
Drug investigations and undercover operations continue
U.S. Marshals
~5,200 employees | ~90% excepted
Fugitive apprehension, witness protection, court security
ATF
~5,000 employees | ~80% excepted
Criminal investigations, firearms tracing
Bureau of Prisons
~37,000 employees | ~83% excepted
Correctional officers, medical staff, security personnel
🏛️ Department of Homeland Security Agencies
CBP (Border Protection)
~60,000 employees | ~95% excepted
Border Patrol agents, CBP officers at ports of entry
ICE
~20,000 employees | ~90% excepted
Enforcement and removal operations, investigations
TSA
~60,000 employees | ~100% excepted
All airport screening officers deemed essential
Secret Service
~7,500 employees | ~95% excepted
Presidential protection, financial crimes investigations
💔 The Reality for Officers
No Choice
Must report for duty or face disciplinary action including termination
No Pay
Work full shifts without receiving paychecks until shutdown ends
Bills Continue
Mortgages, rent, childcare, utilities all still due despite no income
Stress & Morale
Financial anxiety while performing high-stakes, dangerous work
"We're still chasing terrorists and criminals. We're still protecting the President. We're still screening passengers at airports. But we're doing it while wondering how we'll pay our mortgages."— FBI Agents Association statement during 2018-19 shutdown