POLITICS

ICE Agents Sent to Airports During DHS Funding Lapse

PUBLISHED Mar 22, 2026, 4:18 PM ET

Read, Watch or Listen

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 11

Center 91%

Right 9%

Sources: 11

United States: President Donald Trump announced on March 21 that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents would be deployed to U.S. airports beginning March 23 to support Transportation Security Administration operations amid a partial Department of Homeland Security shutdown that left many TSA employees working without pay. Airports and unions warned of travel delays and raised operational and safety questions this week; border czar Tom Homan outlined non‑screening duties, officials said ICE would guard exits and check IDs, and congressional negotiations over DHS funding continued while local airports issued advisories.

By Daniel Hayes | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

March 21: President Trump announces plan to deploy ICE to assist TSA if DHS remains unfunded.
March 22: Tom Homan and Transportation Secretary discuss the plan on Sunday news shows.
March 23: Administration says ICE agents would begin assisting at airports to ease lines.
Throughout March: TSA employees continue working without pay; airports report longer wait times and issue advisories.
Ongoing: Congressional negotiations continue over DHS funding while officials and unions debate the deployment.

News Intelligence

If you're planning to fly, expect longer lines at airports. TSA staff are working without pay due to the DHS funding lapse. ICE agents are stepping in to help, but they're not trained for screening. Check your airport's advisories before you head out.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 11
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 10

Who Benefited

Officials stated that airport operations and the administration sought to reduce congestion by deploying ICE personnel to assist TSA functions during the DHS funding lapse.

Who Impacted

TSA employees continued working without pay and some air travelers experienced long lines and expressed concern about an enforcement presence at airports.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 11
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 10
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 91%, Right 9%

Who Benefited

Officials stated that airport operations and the administration sought to reduce congestion by deploying ICE personnel to assist TSA functions during the DHS funding lapse.

Who Impacted

TSA employees continued working without pay and some air travelers experienced long lines and expressed concern about an enforcement presence at airports.