The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has ordered all furloughed employees to return to work, even as a partial government shutdown persists. This directive follows a memo from President Donald Trump, who has committed to compensating DHS workers for wages lost during the shutdown. DHS, which employs around 270,000 staff, classifies most of its workforce as 'essential,' meaning they are required to work during such shutdowns. Despite this order, many employees face uncertainty regarding their paychecks, as a government memo indicated that future funding shortfalls could jeopardize their salaries if Congress does not take action. The situation is particularly concerning for employees of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), responsible for airport security, as ongoing uncertainty may lead to staffing shortages and disrupt travel, especially during major events like the FIFA World Cup. As Congress returns from recess, lawmakers are under increasing pressure to finalize funding for the DHS for the 2026 fiscal year, with Republican leaders considering a funding bill that may proceed without Democratic support.