CISA Attempts to Rehire After Layoffs Deemed Unlawful

Federal Court Orders Reinstatement of Discharged Employees

The U.S. government's cybersecurity division is currently working to reconnect with over 130 previous staff members. This action follows a federal court decision mandating the Trump administration reinstate personnel who were deemed to have been dismissed “unlawfully.”

Judge Orders Employee Reinstatement

Last week, U.S. District Judge James Bredar issued an order requiring the reinstatement of employees who had been laid off from various U.S. government departments. This includes the Department of Homeland Security, which provides oversight for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).

Focus on Probationary Employees

The court’s decision specifically addresses federal probationary employees. These are individuals who were either hired or promoted within the preceding three years. CISA terminated the employment of 130 probationary staff members in February, as part of a larger initiative by the Trump administration to reduce the size of the federal workforce.

Agency Attempts to Locate Former Staff

According to a notice posted on CISA’s website, the agency is actively attempting to contact the previously dismissed employees. The message indicates that current contact information is unavailable for all affected former staffers, or the agency is unaware of all those impacted by the workforce reductions.

Request for Former Employees to Come Forward

“CISA is making every effort to individually contact all impacted individuals,” the website message states. It further encourages any dismissed employees who believe they are covered by the court order to make contact with the agency.

Information Requested from Affected Staffers

The website notice details that CISA is requesting affected former employees to submit an email containing a “password protected attachment.” This attachment should include their full name, employment dates (including the date of termination), and an additional identifying piece of information, such as their date of birth or social security number.

Password Submission Protocol

The cyber agency is also requesting that the password for the attachment be sent via email to the same address.

Agency Declines to Comment

When questioned by TechCrunch regarding the accuracy of this information, CISA spokesperson Jared Auchey chose not to provide a comment.

Rehired Employees to Receive Administrative Leave

CISA has confirmed that any employees who are rehired will be immediately placed on paid administrative leave, retaining full pay and benefits.

Additional Cuts Reported

TechCrunch reported on further staff reductions at CISA occurring in late February and early March. Two sources impacted by these layoffs shared this information with TechCrunch. These cuts impacted approximately one hundred individuals, including members of CISA’s red teams.