Former Homeland Security Secretary, Jeh Johnson, has urged Congress to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and pay its employees, despite the shutdown lasting over a month. He stated that no one can tell employees to work except for the United States government. Senate Democrats have stood firm on not approving funding towards DHS, arguing that it needs to be reformed for its handling of President Trump's deportation agenda and tactics. Johnson also advocated for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers, stating that over 360 TSA officers have left the force since the start of the shutdown.