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Exclusive: DHS ends teleworking, requires employees to work in person
Acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman on Monday evening ordered all DHS employees back to work, following an executive order from President Donald Trump on his first day in office, according to an internal memo obtained by ABC News.
The order effectively and abruptly ended teleworking at the department.
Huffman said that while remote work “can be an important tool under the right circumstances,” it can also be rife with abuse.
The entrance to the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency, which operates within the Department of Homeland Security, on October 12, 2024, in Washington, D.C.
J. David Ake/Getty Images
Huffman said that in 2024, 28.9% of total hours worked the Federal Emergency Management Agency and 24.4% of total hours worked by U.S. Coast Guard personnel — a branch of the armedservices tasked with protecting our coasts — were done remotely.
He also said that for the Cyber Security and Infrastructure Security Agency, 39.7% of hours worked were remote.
“These numbers are unacceptable,” Huffman wrote. “It is the policy of this agency for employees to work at their duty station — whether in an office or in the field — to the maximum extent.”
Huffman also said that within 30 days, each component of DHS would need to submit a report regarding all officials who have not returned to work, the reasons for it and documentation supporting the reason for each official’s continuing remote work.
“Reasons might include lack of adequate office space, physical inability of the employee, or a legal impediment,” he wrote.
“Any guidance, policy, or directive of this agency that is inconsistent with this memorandum is hereby rescinded, to the extent consistent with applicable legal requirements,” Huffman added.
Huffman’s instructions followed a return-to-work mandate for federal workers that was signed by Trump on his first day back in the White House.
In a surprising move, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the end of teleworking for its employees, requiring them to work in person starting immediately.
This decision comes as a shock to many DHS employees who have been working remotely for over a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The move is being met with mixed reactions, with some employees expressing relief at the return to a more traditional work environment, while others are concerned about the health and safety implications of returning to the office.
According to DHS officials, the decision to end teleworking was made in order to increase productivity and collaboration among employees. The agency believes that working in person will lead to better communication and a more cohesive team dynamic.
However, some employees are worried about the potential health risks of returning to the office, especially as the Delta variant continues to spread. Many are calling on DHS to provide more guidance and resources to ensure a safe work environment for all employees.
As this story continues to develop, it will be interesting to see how DHS employees adapt to this new policy and how it will impact the agency’s operations moving forward. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
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