diff --git a/core/pkg/task/queue.go b/core/pkg/task/queue.go
index e7fd0a848..d29f3c2c9 100644
--- a/core/pkg/task/queue.go
+++ b/core/pkg/task/queue.go
@@ -51,6 +51,11 @@ func (t *Queue) Run(period time.Duration, stopCh <-chan struct{}) {
 
 // Enqueue enqueues ns/name of the given api object in the task queue.
 func (t *Queue) Enqueue(obj interface{}) {
+	if t.IsShuttingDown() {
+		glog.Errorf("queue has been shutdown, failed to enqueue: %v", obj)
+		return
+	}
+
 	glog.V(3).Infof("queuing item %v", obj)
 	key, err := t.fn(obj)
 	if err != nil {