April 1, 2026 – San Juan, Puerto Rico – As part of the efforts led by Governor Jenniffer González-Colón, the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration (PRFAA) announced additional initiatives by the Government of Puerto Rico to support federal employees who continue to be affected by the partial shutdown of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Today, the Government of Puerto Rico is providing direct assistance across three regions of the Island, including food distribution and guidance on benefits and measures previously announced by various agencies. These efforts are aimed at ensuring that impacted employees have immediate access to resources and support.
“The priority of my administration is to respond with action and results in situations that directly affect our people. Many of these federal employees continue to fulfill their duties, and in Puerto Rico, we are doing the same to support them,” said Governor Jenniffer González-Colón.
PRFAA Executive Director Gabriella Boffelli emphasized: “This initiative reflects the Governor’s strong leadership and the strategic work we have been advancing at PRFAA to anticipate the impact of this partial federal government shutdown. We have maintained constant coordination from Washington with local agencies to ensure that every measure implemented translates into real and effective support for affected federal employees in Puerto Rico.”
As part of these efforts, food boxes will be distributed at key locations, including the Puerto Rico Convention Center in San Juan, as well as Mercedita International Airport in Ponce and Rafael Hernández International Airport in Aguadilla.
Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Irving Rodríguez Torres, who participated directly in the distribution efforts in Aguadilla, stated that the agency has mobilized its resources to support affected families: “At the Department of Agriculture, we are ensuring the supply of essential products for these initiatives because our priority is clear, no family should go without food during a time of uncertainty. This response reflects our commitment to food security and to those who need immediate support.”
Secretary of the Department of the Family, Suzanne Roig Fuertes, noted that agency personnel will be on-site providing guidance on available assistance: “We will be offering clear information about the benefits available, including the Nutritional Assistance Program (NAP), to support affected families during this period.”
She also highlighted that last week the Department of the Family participated in similar outreach efforts at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport and in Aguadilla, where food distribution and benefit guidance were provided in coordination with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), further expanding the reach of this government response.
Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Ports Authority, Norberto Negrón, underscored the critical role of these employees and the importance of maintaining operations: “Federal employees working at our airports play an essential role in national security and the continuity of critical operations. We will continue working with our Governor to facilitate these initiatives without disrupting that vital work, ensuring they can carry out their responsibilities with the support they deserve.”
Meanwhile, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Convention Center District Authority, Veronica Ferraiuoli, who participated in the distribution efforts held at the Puerto Rico Convention Center in San Juan, added: “The Convention Center District Authority is committed to maximizing the use of its facilities as high-impact public assets, aligned with the Governor’s vision of a more agile, accessible, and results-driven government. Initiatives like this allow us to facilitate coordinated efforts that address the needs of our people by bringing multiple agencies together under a unified response.”
On March 18, Governor Jenniffer González-Colón, alongside Treasury Secretary Ángel Pantoja, Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) Executive President Luis González, and PRFAA Executive Director Gabriella Boffelli, announced a special support initiative for federal employees on the Island affected by the DHS shutdown.
As part of this initiative, the Department of Treasury granted a moratorium on payment plans for federal employees with active agreements, allowing them to meet their obligations without penalties during the shutdown period. Similarly, PRASA implemented extensions on water bill payments, preventing service interruptions while the situation persists.
These measures apply to employees working in agencies under the DHS umbrella, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), among others. Eligible employees must provide official proof of employment to access these benefits.
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