POLITICS

Trump Threatens ICE Deployment To Airports Amid Shutdown

PUBLISHED Mar 21, 2026, 4:19 PM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 9

Left 11%

Center 89%

Sources: 9

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.

By Sarah Whitman | JQJO News

Aggregated From:

Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer WWAY TV

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.

News Intelligence

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.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 9
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 1
Neutral:: 8

Who Benefited

The administration signaled increased leverage in DHS funding negotiations by proposing redeployment of ICE personnel to airports.

Who Impacted

TSA employees faced missed pay and staffing shortages; travelers and immigrant passengers experienced delays and heightened fear, according to DHS and immigration attorneys.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 9
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 1
Neutral:: 8
Distribution:: Left 11%, Center 89%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

The administration signaled increased leverage in DHS funding negotiations by proposing redeployment of ICE personnel to airports.

Who Impacted

TSA employees faced missed pay and staffing shortages; travelers and immigrant passengers experienced delays and heightened fear, according to DHS and immigration attorneys.