Thousands face long queues at airports in Houston and New Orleans

March 8, 2026

A partial US government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security has caused severe airport delays, with travelers at Houston and New Orleans airports facing wait times of three hours or longer at security checkpoints. The shutdown began when congressional Democrats refused to approve DHS funding without reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement practices, particularly following the deaths of two protesters killed by federal agents in Minnesota. Transportation Security Administration officers continue working without pay as essential personnel, though staffing shortages have resulted from financial hardships.

Who is affected

Thousands of travelers at US airports, particularly in Houston and New Orleans
TSA (Transportation Security Administration) officers and security personnel working without pay
DHS (Department of Homeland Security) employees
Ben Brasch and other named travelers in queues
Families of TSA workers experiencing financial hardship
US students traveling during spring break

What action is being taken

TSA officers are continuing to work without pay as essential workers
Airports are advising travelers to arrive 3-5 hours before flights
Democrats are refusing to pass DHS funding without immigration reforms
Congress is holding repeated votes on measures to fund the DHS
Senator Patty Murray and Democrats are holding out for changes to immigration enforcement

Why it matters

This shutdown demonstrates how political disagreements over immigration policy can directly impact public services and national infrastructure. The situation affects both homeland security operations and ordinary citizens' ability to travel safely and efficiently. It highlights the vulnerability of essential workers who must continue performing critical safety functions without compensation, potentially compromising airport security through staffing shortages during peak travel periods.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC