Urgent Update: ICE Agents to Receive ‘Super Checks’ Amid Shutdown

URGENT UPDATE: Selected federal law enforcement officers, including those from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), will receive a significant financial boost during the ongoing government shutdown. By October 22, 2023, these employees will see a “super check” in their bank accounts, providing much-needed relief amid a prolonged economic crisis for many federal workers.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has confirmed that over 70,000 border patrol agents, deportation officers, and special agents will be compensated for their work during the shutdown, which is now entering its fourth week. This includes payment for the current pay cycle, alongside back pay for the initial days of the shutdown and any overtime worked.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized the importance of supporting law enforcement during challenging times, stating, “

President Trump and I will always stand by law enforcement.

” She highlighted the department’s gratitude for their professionalism and dedication.

While law enforcement personnel receive this financial support, the majority of federal workers face a dire situation. Approximately 19,626 of 21,028 ICE employees are expected to continue working without pay until the shutdown is resolved. Similarly, around 63,243 of CBP’s 67,792 workers remain on the job, illustrating the stark contrast in treatment between law enforcement and other government employees.

The funds for these payments are being drawn from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, an initiative that allocates billions to support the DHS’s mission to secure U.S. borders through 2029. This strategy has raised eyebrows, with critics questioning the appropriateness of utilizing such funds for payroll amidst a funding lapse.

While military personnel have also started receiving paychecks, the situation for most other federal employees is grim. Many are either furloughed or working without compensation, struggling to meet their financial obligations. Workers from agencies such as the Social Security Administration and the Centers for Disease Control report anxiety over their financial futures, with some expressing fears of running out of gas and not being able to pay for basic needs.

The lack of a Senate budget agreement continues to extend the shutdown, which has already disrupted services at post offices, national parks, and airports. This is reminiscent of the longest federal shutdown in history, which lasted for 35 days in 2018.

As the situation unfolds, many federal workers are looking for solutions, but without immediate action from lawmakers, the outlook remains bleak. The public is urged to pay attention to ongoing developments, as the consequences of the shutdown ripple through various sectors of the economy and impact the lives of countless Americans.

Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving story and its implications for federal employees and services nationwide.