(NewsNation) — Airport security agents at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport were asked to return gift cards distributed by representatives of Tyler Perry, according to multiple reports.

Perry initially visited the airport on Thursday with cash to offer direct financial help to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees, who had been working without pay since the partial government shutdown over funding the Department of Homeland Security began on Feb. 14. However, he was informed that federal rules prohibit TSA workers from accepting direct cash gifts, WXIA-TV reported.

In response, members of Perry’s team coordinated with airport officials and returned with prepaid gift cards valued at about $1,000 each, according to the outlet. Perry donated a total of $250,000 worth of gift cards, according to USA Today.

Days later, however, recipients were told to return the gift cards.

Sources told WXIA that representatives for Perry worked through management, human resources and legal channels before returning to the airport to distribute the gift cards. However, the airport’s federal security director raised concerns about the distribution, triggering a review of whether the gifts complied with federal regulations.

Amid the ongoing standoff over funding DHS, nearly 500 TSA agents have resigned, while callouts have surged. President Trump signed an order on Friday declaring an “unprecedented emergency situation,” allowing federal funds to be redirected to pay airport security workers.

Some TSA agents reported receiving partial paychecks on Monday.

The DHS said the agency has “immediately begun the process of paying its workforce” under the direction of Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin.

Perry has not publicly commented on the decision to recall the gift cards.