POLITICS

Trump Threatens ICE Deployment To Airports Amid Shutdown

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Washington — President Donald Trump announced Saturday he would order Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers to assist with security at U.S. airports starting Monday unless Democrats approve funding for the Department of Homeland Security, posting the proposal on his social media account as a partial government shutdown continued and causing delays. Travelers and officials reported staffing shortages and disruptions; roughly 50,000 TSA employees are working without pay and absenteeism has risen, DHS said, while more than 400 TSA staff have quit since February 14. A Senate vote failed Friday, and many airports said Saturday they had received no federal notice of redeployment.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

February 14: Partial DHS funding lapse begins, affecting TSA pay.
Mid-March: Absenteeism at TSA increases; DHS reports over 10% callouts on multiple days.
Since Feb. 14: DHS reports more than 400 TSA resignations.
Friday (week of March 22): Senate bill to resolve DHS funding fails to advance.
Saturday, March 22: President Trump posts plan to deploy ICE to airports; March 27 set for a second missed TSA paycheck.

Why This Matters to You

If you're planning to fly, expect possible delays. Staff shortages at airports are causing disruptions. Check your flight status before heading to the airport. Also, be prepared for a possible increase in security presence with ICE officers.

The Bottom Line

The ongoing government shutdown is impacting airport operations. Without a resolution, more TSA staff may quit, causing further disruptions. It's worth forwarding if you know someone traveling soon.