USDA Sends New Reassignment Letters Despite Court Order: What NRCS Employees Should Do

USDA reassignment letters are back in the news. A federal judge ordered USDA to stop sending relocation letters, and two weeks later the department sent more. If you work at USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and received one, here is what the court order says, what the new letters say, and what to do now.

What the Court Order Says

In AFGE v. USDA, No. 3:26-cv-09976-VC (N.D. Cal. Oct. 13, 2026), ECF 107, Judge Chhabria prohibited USDA from “issuing or enforcing MDR letters or any other notice or directive of reassignment or relocation in whole or in part.” The key phrase is “in whole or in part.”

What the New NRCS Letters Say

NRCS, USDA’s second-largest component, sent new management-directed reassignment (MDR) letters dated October 28, fifteen days after the order. The letters say you are “permanently reassigned” to a new position, effective November 1. The move itself, according to the letters, will not happen until “the current court order injunction is lifted.”

In other words, USDA appears to have split the reassignment into two parts: a new position now and a new location later. The letter itself acknowledges that the order applies. The agency’s position seems to be that the order applies only to the physical move.

Mixed Messages From USDA

Last week, Secretary Rollins said USDA is “full-bore ahead in the reorganization.” This week, USDA says it “is complying with the court order.” Both statements are on the record, and a court will decide what they mean for these letters.

This is not final. USDA has appealed to the Ninth Circuit, but for now the stay remains in place.

The November 2 Vacancy Portal

NRCS has also opened a “critical vacancy” portal, with a deadline of Monday, November 2. It lists positions at your current grade or lower, including jobs at the Fort Worth, Fort Collins, and Raleigh hub offices. Read the portal terms carefully before you apply for anything, and ask your representative how an application interacts with your letter.

What to Do If You Received a Letter

• Save the letter and note the date you received it.
• Get a copy to your union or representative. A judge can only enforce what he can see.
• If the letter also changes your grade, your duties, or an approved accommodation, talk to your representative or an attorney about it.
• Keep your own records outside government systems, including who told you what and when.

The new letters were reported in Jory Heckman’s October 29, 2026 Government Executive article, “USDA sends more relocation notices, seemingly in violation of court order.”

Legal Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Federal employment situations are fact-specific and time-sensitive. Please consult a qualified federal employment attorney about your specific situation. You can contact Southworth PC at attorneysforfederalemployees.com.