Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem offered employees of one of the federal government’s largest agencies a buyout on Monday evening, giving them a week to decide whether they wanted to leave the federal workforce.
The email — which resembles the “Fork in the Road” email sent to government employees — offers DHS employees the chance to take either a deferred resignation, early retirement, or a lump-sum buyout of up to $25,000.
DHS is one of the largest departments in the federal government, with about 250,000 employees. It encompasses Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Secret Service, the Coast Guard, and other agencies. Noem said in a televised cabinet meeting in March that she plans to “eliminate FEMA.”
In her email, Noem said the buyout offer generally isn’t being extended to law enforcement officials, which includes ICE agents.
“As a general rule, Law Enforcement Officials will be exempt from participation in these programs due to their essential mission-critical responsibilities,” she wrote.
According to Noem’s email, the lump sum policy would be considered severance pay.
It’s not clear if the offer would follow the Office of Personnel Management’s severance pay formula for federal employees. Representatives for DHS didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider about how many employees are impacted by the offer.
Employees have until April 14 to decide if they want to take the offer, which was meant to “reflect our commitment to aligning our workforce with evolving mission needs,” Noem wrote in the email, which had the subject line “Reshaping of the DHS workforce.”
Read Noem’s DHS buyout email:
Reshaping of the DHS Workforce
Dear DHS Colleagues,
I am writing to share important news regarding new voluntary workforce transition programs approved for immediate implementation across the Department. These initiatives — collectively known as the Workforce Transition Program (WTP) —include the Deferred Resignation Program (DRP), the Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA) and the Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment (VSIP). Together, they reflect our commitment to aligning our workforce with evolving mission needs while supporting the personal and professional goals of our dedicated employees. Components will provide guidance for which of these three programs are available to their respective workforce, to include populations who are excluded from our mission critical frontline workforce. As a general rule, Law Enforcement Officials will be exempt from participation in these programs due to their essential mission-critical responsibilities.
1. Deferred Resignation Program (DRP)
This program offers eligible employees a structured and supported path to transition from DHS. Those who choose to participate will receive a brief period of paid administrative leave to complete key tasks, submit retirement documentation, and prepare for departure. Most transitions under this program are expected to be completed by the end of fiscal year 2025, though exact dates may vary depending on individual circumstances.
2. Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA)
Under 5 U.S.C. S§ 8336(d)(2) (CSRS) and 8414(b)(1)(B) (FERS), VERA allows eligible employees who meet certain age and service requirements to retire early. This option helps employees who are ready to retire while ensuring DHS can address evolving needs across our Components.
3. Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment (VSIP)
Often referred to as a “buyout,” this option offers a lump-sum payment of up to $25,000 (or an amount equal to severance pay if lower) for employees in roles slated for voluntary departures.
By offering these options, we intend to provide flexibility for employees who may be considering a change, retirement, or new career opportunities, while also supporting the Department’s operational readiness. If you believe any or all of these programs might be right for you, please watch for further announcements from your Component leadership or Human Resources office, where you will find more specific eligibility criteria, detailed instructions, and timelines. Your decision to apply for any of these programs will be due NLT 11:59 ET on April 14, 2025.
Thank you for your continued dedication to the Department of Homeland Security and our nation’s security. Your service and professionalism are greatly appreciated. If you have any questions in the meantime, please reach out to your HR office or supervisor for additional guidance.
