POLITICS

DHS funding lapse causes major airport security disruptions

PUBLISHED Mar 29, 2026, 2:46 PM ET

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DHS funding lapse causes major airport security disruptions

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 11

Center 100%

Sources: 11

Washington: A DHS funding standoff left thousands of TSA employees unpaid and produced long security lines at major U.S. airports as of March 29, with White House border czar Tom Homan saying TSA pay depends on Congress reopening funding and an executive action promising near-term payments. Airports reported extended waits and deployed ICE agents to assist TSA checkpoints this week; union leaders and DHS cited high callout rates and hundreds of quits, and an executive order issued Friday aims to deliver pay by Monday though staffing shortages may persist.

By Daniel Hayes | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Mid-February: DHS funding lapses, many TSA employees go unpaid.
Following weeks: Callout rates rise; hundreds of TSA officers resign or quit.
Late March: ICE agents are deployed to about 14 airports to assist checkpoints.
March 27: President issues executive order directing emergency pay to TSA agents.
March 29: Reporting notes 44-day partial shutdown status, continued long lines and localized severe delays.

News Intelligence

If you're flying soon, expect longer airport lines. The TSA staffing shortage means more wait time at security checkpoints. Check your airport's wait times online before you leave home. Plan to arrive earlier than usual.

Media Bias

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

Who Benefited

Private security contractors and certain airports saw increased operational roles and potential financial opportunities due to ICE deployments and TSA staffing shortfalls.

Who Impacted

TSA employees, travelers, and airport communities experienced unpaid wages, long security lines, and operational disruptions during the DHS funding lapse.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 11
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 11
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

Private security contractors and certain airports saw increased operational roles and potential financial opportunities due to ICE deployments and TSA staffing shortfalls.

Who Impacted

TSA employees, travelers, and airport communities experienced unpaid wages, long security lines, and operational disruptions during the DHS funding lapse.