The claim is mostly true because during a government shutdown, active-duty military personnel are required to continue working but typically do not receive paychecks until funding is restored, while ICE agents, classified as essential federal employees, generally continue to be paid, though specific legislative actions can affect these outcomes.
Mostly True
When the government shuts down on Wednesday, active duty military will stop getting paychecks while ICE agents continue getting paid because they’re ‘essential’
How the Federal Workforce is Impacted During a Government Shutdown • Partnership for Public Service
Source: ourpublicservice.org
At a glance
Verified September 30, 2025Key Evidence
Active-duty troops must report for duty but may miss timely paychecks during a shutdown unless Congress passes special legislation.
cbsnews.comcbsnews.comHow would a government shutdown impact the U.S. military?
home.army.milhome.army.milIf the government shuts down, here’s what to expect :: FORT BELVOIR+1 more
ICE agents are classified as essential DHS employees who typically continue receiving pay during shutdowns.
wzzm13.comwzzm13.comHuizenga proposes mandated pay for ICE, DHS agents during government shutdown
Legislative efforts exist to guarantee pay for both groups in shutdown scenarios.
legion.orglegion.orgLawmakers seek to guarantee troop pay in case of a government shutdown
The reporting
What the Evidence Shows
During a federal government shutdown, active-duty military members are considered essential personnel and must continue to perform their duties without interruption. However, unless Congress passes specific legislation like the 'Pay Our Military Act' (as it did in past shutdowns), their paychecks are delayed until funding resumes.cbsnews.comcbsnews.comHow would a government shutdown impact the U.S. military?
home.army.milhome.army.milIf the government shuts down, here’s what to expect :: FORT BELVOIR+1 more This means active-duty troops keep working but do not get paid on schedule.
ICE agents, as part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), are also deemed essential employees. Traditionally, essential federal workers continue working during shutdowns and receive paychecks, although the timing and guarantee of pay can depend on appropriations and legislative measures.wzzm13.comwzzm13.comHuizenga proposes mandated pay for ICE, DHS agents during government shutdown Recent proposals have aimed to mandate pay for ICE and DHS agents during shutdowns to ensure continuity.
Therefore, the statement that active-duty military will stop getting paychecks while ICE agents continue getting paid because they are 'essential' aligns with how shutdowns have functioned historically and currently. However, nuances exist: military pay delays can be mitigated by congressional action, and ICE pay depends on DHS funding and legislative decisions.
In summary:
Active-duty military must work without immediate pay during shutdowns unless Congress acts.
ICE agents are considered essential and generally continue to be paid.
Legislative proposals can influence these payment dynamics.
This analysis is based on multiple sources describing shutdown impacts on federal employees and military personnel.
Primary trail
Verified Sources10
Open source