Trump says ICE agents will assist airport security as DHS shutdown continues

March 22, 2026

The Trump administration plans to deploy ICE agents to airports starting Monday to address extended security checkpoint lines caused by a partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security. The DHS has been unfunded since mid-February due to Congressional disagreement, leaving TSA officers working without pay for over a month, which has resulted in increased absences and more than 400 resignations. Border official Tom Homan clarified that ICE agents would handle entry and exit points rather than directly screening passengers, thereby freeing TSA staff for screening duties.

Who is affected

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers working without pay
Air travelers experiencing hours-long security lines
ICE agents being redeployed to airports
Department of Homeland Security employees unfunded since mid-February
Over 400 TSA agents who have quit since the shutdown began
American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) union members
Democrats in Congress
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries

What action is being taken

ICE agents are being deployed to airports starting Monday
ICE agents will cover entry and exit points at airports
TSA agents continue working without pay
Border tsar Tom Homan and his team are finalizing operational details with TSA and ICE

Why it matters

This situation highlights the severe consequences of the government shutdown on critical transportation security infrastructure. The deployment represents an unprecedented use of immigration enforcement agents in airport security roles during a funding crisis that has left essential workers unpaid for over a month. The controversy raises concerns about airport security effectiveness, proper training for sensitive security operations, and the safety of both travelers and workers, while illustrating the deepening political divide over DHS funding that directly impacts millions of air travelers and security personnel.

What's next

ICE agents will be deployed to airports on Monday
Tom Homan is working with TSA and ICE to finalize details including the number of agents involved before Monday deployment

Read full article from source: BBC