Kristi Noem offers redemptions of DHS employees: Read the email

The secretary of the Ministry of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, offered employees of one of the largest agencies of the federal government on Monday evening, giving them a week to decide if they wanted to leave the federal workforce.

The email – which resembles the email “fork in the road” sent to government employees – offers DHS employees the possibility of taking a deferred resignation, an early retirement or a flat repurchase of up to $ 25,000.

DHS is one of the largest departments of the federal government, with around 250,000 employees. He includes immigration and customs application (ICE), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the secret services, the Coast Guard and other agencies. Noem said at a cabinet television meeting in March that she planned to “eliminate FEMA”.

In his email, Noem said that the buyout offer was generally not extended to law enforcement officials, which includes ice agents.

“As a rule, law enforcement officials will be exempt from participation in these programs because of their essential mission critical responsibilities,” she wrote.

According to Noem’s emails, the lump sum policy is considered to be a starting allowance.

It is not clear if the offer would follow the remuneration formula for compensation from the staff management office for federal employees. DHS representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comments from Business Insider on the number of employees assigned by the supply.

Employees have until April 14 to decide if they want to adopt the offer, which was to “reflect our commitment to align our workforce with evolving mission needs”, wrote Noem in email, which had the object line “reforming the workforce of the DHS”.

Read Noem’s DHS buyer email:

Make the DHS workforce

Dear DHS colleagues,

I write to share important news concerning the new approved voluntary workforce transition programs for the immediate implementation of the department. These initiatives – collectively known as the workforce transition program (WTP) – include the Delayed Resignation Program (DRP), the early retirement volunteer (Vera) and the voluntary separation (VSIP). Together, they reflect our commitment to align our workforce on evolving mission needs while supporting the personal and professional objectives of our dedicated employees. The components will provide advice for which of these three programs are available for their respective workforce, to include populations excluded from our first line critical workforce. As a rule, law enforcement officials will be exempt from participation in these programs because of their essential critical mission responsibilities.

1. Delayed resignation program (DRP)

This program offers eligible employees a structured and supported path to go from DHS. Those who choose to participate will receive a brief period of remunerated administrative leave to perform key tasks, submit the retirement documentation and prepare for departure. Most transitions as part of this program should be completed by the end of the 2025 financial year, although the exact dates can vary depending on the individual circumstances.

2. Voluntary retirement authority (Vera)

USC SSC 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 ready to retire while ensuring that DHS can meet the evolutionary needs of our components.

3. Voluntary separation incentive (VSIP)

Often called a “redemption”, this option offers a flat -rate payment of up to $ 25,000 (or an amount equal to a starting indemnity if it is lower) for employees in the roles provided for voluntary departures.

By offering these options, we intend to provide flexibility to employees who can consider a change, retirement or new career opportunities, while supporting the operational preparation of the ministry. If you think that all or part of these programs may suit you, please monitor the additional advertisements of your leadership or human resources office, where you will find more specific eligibility criteria, detailed instructions and deadlines. Your decision to request one of these programs will be due to NLT 11:59 He on April 14, 2025.

Thank you for your continuous dedication to the Ministry of Internal Security and the Safety of our country. Your service and your professionalism are greatly appreciated. If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact your HR office or supervisor for additional advice.