DHS funding lapse causes major airport security disruptions
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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.
More context
Timeline
- 1. Mid-February: DHS funding lapses, many TSA employees go unpaid.
- 2. Following weeks: Callout rates rise; hundreds of TSA officers resign or quit.
- 3. Late March: ICE agents are deployed to about 14 airports to assist checkpoints.
- 4. March 27: President issues executive order directing emergency pay to TSA agents.
- 5. March 29: Reporting notes 44-day partial shutdown status, continued long lines and localized severe delays.
Why it matters
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.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
