1,100 cyber guards gone as Mullin defends 'greatest mission' after 76-day funding collapse
WASHINGTON, DC: Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said on Sunday, May 3, that the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has lost approximately 1,100 employees during this year’s partial government shutdown, raising concerns about the agency’s operational capacity.
The disclosure comes as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recovers from a 76-day shutdown that began on February 14 and ended on April 30.
The funding lapse, triggered by a Democratic-led push for federal immigration reform following the deaths of two US citizens in Minnesota involving federal immigration officers, has left DHS managing workforce disruptions, delayed operations, and administrative backlogs. Officials say the impact is still unfolding across multiple agencies.
Cyber defense leadership remains in limbo
The staffing losses at CISA coincide with a continued leadership gap at the agency. President Donald J Trump’s nominee to lead CISA withdrew last month after waiting more than a year for Senate confirmation, leaving the agency without a permanent director.
Mullin said the combination of leadership uncertainty and the departure of 1,100 personnel has contributed to internal morale challenges.
He added that workforce strain is not limited to CISA. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recorded an 8% decline in staffing, compared to its typical 4.6% turnover rate.
Other DHS components were largely furloughed during the shutdown and are now working to restore full operations.
Internal GOP fractures delay funding
Although Congress has approved funding to reopen DHS, the measure did not include Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
House Republicans are currently considering a reconciliation bill that would provide three years of funding for those agencies.
However, differences within the GOP over the scope and timing of the legislation have slowed progress.
The broader dispute with Democrats over immigration policy continues to affect budget negotiations, delaying a full restoration of departmental funding. Officials have acknowledged that the 76-day shutdown has created additional operational challenges that may take time to resolve.
Markwayne Mullin emphasizes mission and protection
Despite the staffing reductions, Mullin said the department remains focused on its core responsibilities. He thanked employees who remained in their roles during the shutdown and emphasized the importance of maintaining operations.
“They’re willing and wanting to come to work, because protecting the homeland... that is literally the greatest mission inside this nation,” Mullin said during an appearance on Fox News Sunday.
He stated that DHS will continue to carry out its responsibilities with its current workforce, even as agencies work to stabilize staffing levels and address the effects of the prolonged shutdown.
