TSA agents quit after missed paychecks due to shutdown

SALT LAKE CITY — The ongoing shutdown over Homeland Security funding is creating ripple effects at airports across the country. Some TSA officers are leaving their jobs after going without pay, leading to longer security lines and travel disruptions as staff shortages persist.

In Utah, the financial strain is reaching a breaking point for many employees.

After previously receiving partial pay — and then receiving no money in their paycheck on Friday — several TSA officers are now walking away from their jobs, even as airports continue operating during a busy travel season. Many report struggling to cover basic expenses like childcare, gas and groceries.

Robert Echeverria, who spent nearly nine years with the TSA, said the situation eventually forced a difficult choice: stay in a job he had dedicated years to, or leave to make sure his family could get by.

Echeverria said he joined TSA because he wanted to make a difference.

“I knew that I belonged there,” he said.

But the missed paychecks became too heavy.

“We depleted our savings pretty quickly,” he said. “Having to say no when my daughter wanted to buy something, and letting them know, ‘Hey, we can’t do it right now. We have to prioritize food. We have to prioritize gas.’ It was super hard.”

He ultimately took another job and stepped away from TSA four weeks ago.

“It was a really, really hard decision. But I had to put my well-being and my family first,” he said.

Echeverria said many officers feel frustrated and betrayed by the situation.

“You give everything to that position. We want to be there, and we want to serve that mission and we feel backstabbed that we don’t get that payment,” he said. “I don’t know how many of my former colleagues are going to last — or how long they’re going to last. And if that happens, who’s going to take care of the airport? Who’s going to take care of the travelers?”

Echeverria doesn’t know when he’ll receive the rest of his backdated pay. In the meantime, he’s urging travelers to be patient with TSA workers, especially during the spring break rush.

“Put yourself in that position and in the shoes of those officers — understand, how would you feel if you wouldn’t be able to take that trip now, because you couldn’t afford it,” he said. “Just be nice to the officers. They deserve it. They’re human.”

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This story was adapted from a TV broadcast script using artificial intelligence. Every story, including those adapted with AI, is reviewed by a human editor before publication to ensure that KSL’s editorial standards are upheld.

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