TSA officer speaks out on partial shutdown strain as XNA, community step up to help
By Abner Sosa
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BENTONVILLE, Ark. (KHBS, KHOG) — Community members and businesses in Northwest Arkansas are being encouraged to support Transportation Security Administration officers working without pay during the ongoing partial federal government shutdown.
At Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA), 92 TSA officers continue reporting to work each day to maintain security operations, even as federal payroll remains disrupted.
Airport officials say those officers are considered essential employees, meaning security lines continue moving and travelers remain safe, but behind the scenes, the shutdown is taking a growing financial toll.
Zackary Hicks, a TSA officer and president of AFGE Local 917, said he has returned to frontline screening duties during the shutdown.
“Right now, with the partial shutdown, I am currently returned to my original duties as a screening officer,” Hicks said.
While operations are holding steady, Hicks said the strain on workers is increasing as the shutdown drags on.
“It is starting to get a little bit hard since we’ve now gotten to day 33 of the partial shutdown. We’re starting to feel a little bit of the squeeze,” Hicks said.
Hicks added that many officers live paycheck-to-paycheck and continue showing up to work despite not being paid.
“It’s hard to see them come in, loving doing their job and just seeing the devotion they have to keeping the airways safe and knowing that they’re not getting paid for it. It breaks my heart as well,” Hicks said.
In response, airport leaders said the community has been asking how to help.
While federal rules prohibit TSA workers from accepting cash donations, they are allowed to receive certain in-kind support, including food and gift cards. Any donations must be distributed evenly among all officers.
“Food is obviously an excellent donation. Also gift cards, to local restaurants, Visa, Vanilla, Walmart gift cards. That would be a huge support,” said Olivia Tyler, XNA’s public affairs manager. “We’re trying everything that we can in order to support them in the ways that we can.” Businesses or organizations interested in coordinating donations are encouraged to contact Tyler via email to arrange logistics.
Hicks said that support is already making a difference for officers facing uncertainty.
“It makes me really supported by my community. I really appreciate it. It kind of brings tears to my eyes, too, because it’s hard. It’s really hard on us when we go through this,” Hicks said.
As the shutdown continues, TSA officers remain on the job, ensuring safety at the airport — even without pay.
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