ICE Agents Deployed to Airports Amid Ongoing TSA Disruptions
President Trump has dispatched hundreds of ICE agents to key airports across the U.S. as the Homeland Security Department deals with a prolonged shutdown.
Travelers are facing ongoing turmoil, highlighted by soaring wait times, lengthy queues stretching outside terminal doors, and the complete closure of LaGuardia Airport following a tragic incident involving an Air Canada flight and a fire truck.
Approximately 50,000 TSA employees are currently working without pay, resulting in high absenteeism and significant delays at security checkpoints. Since the shutdown commenced on February 14, about 400 TSA workers have reportedly exited the agency.
ICE agents are now stationed at several major airports, including Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International and JFK. However, an official list detailing all airports receiving ICE support hasn’t been released, leaving uncertainty about officer numbers at each site.
This initiative, led by President Trump and overseen by border czar Tom Homan, aims to let TSA employees concentrate on security checks while ICE agents help manage crowd control and exit monitoring.
“We’re just there to assist TSA in non-expert areas, like watching exits, which frees them up for more pressing tasks,” Homan noted.
Trump mentioned that ICE agents might also engage in apprehending illegal immigrants at entry points, labeling these areas as “fertile territory.”
At Hartsfield-Jackson, lines have extended beyond the curb, with travelers waiting since dawn for morning flights.
Additionally, Trump remarked on Truth Social about an agreement with Democrats concerning ICE operations, indicating that agents should not wear masks while on airport duty.
The ongoing DHS shutdown stems from disputes over funding between Democrats and Republicans, predominantly related to immigration enforcement and proposals for reforming ICE.
Officials anticipate the potential expansion of ICE presence in airports and will monitor staffing levels to assess if more closures are necessary.
