ICE agents deploy to major US airports as security queues stretch for hours

March 23, 2026

The U.S. government shutdown that started on February 14th has resulted in thousands of TSA employees missing paychecks and calling out sick, creating massive delays and long queues at airport security checkpoints nationwide. To address the staffing crisis, the White House has deployed hundreds of ICE agents to 14 major airports to assist with non-screening functions like crowd control, though President Trump ordered them not to wear masks for aesthetic reasons. Over 100 airport leaders have urged Congress to end the shutdown immediately, warning of significant and growing operational disruptions, with some travelers now sleeping in airports to avoid missing flights.

Who is affected

TSA employees who have not received pay for weeks
Airline passengers experiencing hours-long wait times and delays at security checkpoints
ICE agents deployed to 14 airports in cities including New York, Atlanta, and Houston
DHS employees going without pay
Over 100 airport leaders expressing concern about operational disruptions
Two U.S. citizens shot dead by immigration agents in Minneapolis
Congress members (Democrats and Republicans) involved in the funding standoff

What action is being taken

ICE agents are being deployed to 14 airports to support non-specialized security functions and crowd control
TSA agents are calling out of work (more than 3,400 on Sunday alone)
Airport leaders are urging Congress through a letter to immediately end the shutdown
President Trump is instructing Republicans not to agree to deals that would fund DHS except ICE
Travelers are arriving three to four hours early and some are sleeping in airports to avoid missing flights

Why it matters

This situation represents a critical breakdown in airport security infrastructure affecting millions of travelers nationwide, with wait times becoming so severe that passengers must sleep in airports. The controversy highlights broader tensions over immigration enforcement, particularly ICE's role following the fatal shooting of U.S. citizens, and demonstrates how political deadlock over immigration policy can paralyze essential government services. The deployment of ICE agents—an agency facing declining public support and criticism for profiling—to airports raises civil rights concerns while simultaneously exposing the vulnerability of transportation security when federal workers go unpaid.

What's next

TSA agents will miss their second paycheck on Friday
Congress's last scheduled session day before a two-week recess is Friday
Republicans and Democrats continue negotiations over DHS funding, with Democrats seeking new curbs on immigration agents and Republicans rejecting proposals to fund TSA separately from ICE
ICE agents will continue supporting airport operations in non-screening roles

Read full article from source: BBC