ICE Agents Sent to Airports During DHS Funding Lapse
Tap title to read story
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.
More context
Timeline
- 1. March 21: President Trump announces plan to deploy ICE to assist TSA if DHS remains unfunded.
- 2. March 22: Tom Homan and Transportation Secretary discuss the plan on Sunday news shows.
- 3. March 23: Administration says ICE agents would begin assisting at airports to ease lines.
- 4. Throughout March: TSA employees continue working without pay; airports report longer wait times and issue advisories.
- 5. Ongoing: Congressional negotiations continue over DHS funding while officials and unions debate the deployment.
Why it matters
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.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
