Thousands of DHS employees decide to stay or go

Thousands of DHS employees have until Monday night to decide whether to voluntarily exit their positions under a sweeping “Workforce Transition Program” announced by Secretary Kristi Noem on 7 April 2025. The options—deferred resignation, early retirement, or a voluntary separation incentive—come amid widespread uncertainty about the agency’s future.

While law enforcement officers and frontline Customs and Border Protection and TSA employees are largely exempt, support personnel at agencies like FEMA and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) are eligible and facing difficult decisions. Many employees have received less than a week to weigh the offer.

FEMA, in particular, is under pressure as the Trump administration pushes to dismantle the agency, according to CNN. Michael Coen, Jr., former FEMA chief of staff, told Federal News Network the lack of communication is likely intended to encourage more departures. "Even FEMA managers are in the dark,” he said.

Former FEMA executive Thomas Sivak has urged employees to make informed, deliberate decisions: “We have to look within to take care of ourselves.”

CISA confirmed its 3,300 employees are eligible for the transition offer and promised continued mission delivery throughout the transition.

DHS previously avoided the brunt of early Trump-era federal downsizing. But with the looming threat of RIFs, many now expect wider cuts.