In a significant move to cut federal spending and increase accountability, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has reduced its workforce by 405 employees.
The bulk of the cuts came from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which saw over 200 positions eliminated, followed by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) with 130 jobs cut. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services experienced a reduction of under 50 employees, and the DHS Science and Technology Directorate saw 10 positions eliminated.
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Additionally, 12 members of the Coast Guard working in diversity, equity, and inclusion roles were affected, with these positions now being reallocated to support border security efforts along the southwestern border. All of the impacted personnel, currently on administrative leave, are based in Washington, D.C.
“Under President Trump’s leadership, we are making sweeping cuts and reform across the federal government to eliminate egregious waste and incompetence that has been happening for decades at the expense of the American taxpayer,” said a DHS spokesperson.
The spokesperson added, “Today’s Department of Homeland Security personnel action will result in roughly $50 million in savings for American taxpayers and incalculable value toward accountability and cutting red tape.”
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The agency’s leadership has identified these cuts by targeting non-mission critical personnel who were in probationary status. Officials noted that they are actively reviewing other positions and offices within DHS that do not directly contribute to the department’s core mission.
With a total workforce of approximately 252,000 employees, according to the fiscal year 2024 budget, this reduction is one of several measures aimed at streamlining operations and reducing inefficiencies across the federal government.
As the DHS continues to pursue further reforms, the agency emphasized that the current action is part of a broader effort to ensure that every dollar taxpayer contributes is spent effectively, while also maintaining robust national security and public safety.
Further updates on additional cuts and reorganization plans within DHS are expected in the coming weeks.
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