The ongoing shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security is placing growing strain on thousands of airport security personnel, as employees of the Transportation Security Administration continue working without pay.

Roughly 60,000 TSA officers, who have already endured more than a month of reduced or delayed compensation, began receiving paychecks last week showing a $0 balance, underscoring the severity of the funding lapse.

Many workers report mounting financial stress, with some taking on additional jobs to cover basic expenses, while others are considering leaving the agency altogether.

Current and former TSA officials warn that if the shutdown persists, the toll on morale and staffing could have lasting consequences for airport security operations.

“Who wants to work in public service when you’re treated like this?” one TSA employee, who requested anonymity, told ABC News.

The partial shutdown, now in its second month, follows closely on the heels of last year’s 43-day federal government shutdown, during which TSA workers were also required to remain on duty despite not receiving pay.

Officials fear that repeated disruptions of this kind could erode the workforce and weaken the stability of critical transportation security systems over time.

The partial shutdown, now in its second month, follows closely on the heels of last year’s 43-day federal government shutdown, during which TSA workers were also required to remain on duty despite not receiving pay.

Officials fear that repeated disruptions of this kind could erode the workforce and weaken the stability of critical transportation security systems over time.