DHS Ends Remote Work, Orders Employees Back to Offices by 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Acting Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Benjamine Huffman on Monday ordered all DHS employees to return to their offices, effectively ending telework across the agency. The directive, issued via an internal memo obtained by ABC News, follows an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on his first day back in office.

Huffman stated that while remote work “can be an important tool under the right circumstances,” it has been subject to widespread abuse. He cited data showing that in 2024, 28.9% of total hours worked by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and 24.4% of hours worked by U.S. Coast Guard personnel were conducted remotely. For the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the figure was even higher at 39.7%.

“These numbers are unacceptable,” Huffman wrote in the memo. “It is the policy of this agency for employees to work at their duty station — whether in an office or in the field — to the maximum extent.”

Huffman gave DHS components 30 days to submit reports detailing any employees who have not returned to work, along with reasons and supporting documentation. Acceptable reasons include lack of office space, physical inability, or legal impediments. He also rescinded any existing policies or directives that conflict with the new mandate.

The move aligns with Trump’s broader return-to-work mandate for federal employees, which he signed on his first day in office. Huffman’s order requires employees to work in-person five days a week, with no exceptions unless formally documented.

This shift marks a significant reversal from the widespread adoption of remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past five years, remote work became a staple for many government agencies and corporations. However, recent trends show a growing backlash, with companies like Walmart, AT&T, and Amazon also scaling back remote work options.

Huffman’s directive underscores the administration’s emphasis on in-person collaboration and oversight. “Any guidance, policy, or directive of this agency that is inconsistent with this memorandum is hereby rescinded, to the extent consistent with applicable legal requirements,” he added.

The order has sparked debate among federal employees and labor advocates, who argue that remote work has proven effective for many roles. However, Huffman’s memo suggests that the administration views in-person work as essential for maintaining operational efficiency and accountability.