U.S NewsThe Washington TimesMon, Mar 23, 2026, 10:32 AMNegative

ICE officers will begin assisting TSA as shutdown frustrates travelers and screeners

President Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to assist Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at U.S. airports starting Monday, amid a partial government shutdown that has led to significant delays in airport security processes. This decision has raised concerns about the potential for increased tensions among frustrated travelers and TSA personnel facing unpaid work.

ICE officers will begin assisting TSA as shutdown frustrates travelers and screeners

WPN Brief

  • What Happened

    President Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to assist Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at U.S. airports starting Monday, amid a partial government shutdown that has led to significant delays in airport security processes. This decision has raised concerns about the potential for increased tensions among frustrated travelers and TSA personnel facing unpaid work.

  • Why It Matters

    The deployment of ICE agents is intended to alleviate long security lines caused by staffing shortages at TSA checkpoints. However, the TSA union has criticized this move, arguing that untrained personnel may not effectively address the ongoing issues at airports.

  • The Bigger Picture

    This situation highlights the broader implications of the government shutdown, as it not only affects airport operations but also reflects the contentious political climate surrounding immigration and funding disputes. The presence of ICE at airports may exacerbate existing frustrations among travelers and raise questions about the appropriateness of using immigration enforcement in security roles.

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White House pushes ahead with ICE airport deployment as DHS shutdown talks stall

President Trump has announced the deployment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to airports nationwide starting Monday, a move aimed at alleviating long security lines amid ongoing staffing shortages at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This decision comes as talks regarding funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) remain stalled, drawing criticism from Democrats and TSA unions.

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Mar 22

Trump says ICE will deploy to airports Monday to assist TSA amid funding standoff

President Donald Trump has announced the deployment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to airports nationwide starting Monday, aimed at assisting Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers amid a funding standoff with Democrats. This decision comes as TSA faces significant staffing shortages, leading to long security lines at major airports.

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NBC News
Mar 23

ICE agents sent to airports to assist TSA as partial shutdown drags on

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are being deployed to assist Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at airports nationwide starting Monday, as a partial government shutdown continues to cause significant delays in airport security. Critics argue that these agents, who are not trained for airport security roles, may instill fear among American travelers.

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NBC News
Mar 22

Trump admin. to send ICE agents to assist TSA at airports

The Trump administration has announced the deployment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to airports nationwide starting Monday to assist Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers. This decision comes in response to long security lines at airport entrances and exits, which have been exacerbated by staffing shortages amid a partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

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NBC News
Mar 21

Trump threatens to send ICE agents to airports amid TSA travel chaos

President Trump has threatened to deploy ICE agents to U.S. airports starting Monday as major airports face significant delays due to TSA staffing shortages. This announcement comes amid ongoing funding disputes affecting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), leading to long lines and operational challenges at airports nationwide.

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The Washington Times
Mar 22

Plans to send ICE to assist airport security staff being finalized, Homan says, as shutdown drags on

Border czar Tom Homan announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will be deployed to assist Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at airports nationwide starting Monday, as significant delays continue due to staffing shortages amid a partial government shutdown. President Trump expressed frustration over the situation, stating that Americans are being 'held hostage' at airports.

U.S Newsnegative
The Washington Times
Mar 22

TSA union blasts ICE airport deployment: 'You cannot improvise that'

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) union has criticized President Trump's plan to deploy Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at airports, arguing that untrained personnel at security checkpoints is not a viable solution to ongoing staffing shortages. This deployment is set to begin on Monday, as announced by the White House.

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The Wall Street Journal
Mar 22

ICE officers will begin trying to ease bottlenecks at airports on Monday, as the Trump administration scrambles to develop a plan to end hourslong security lines amid a partial government shutdown

Starting Monday, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will be deployed to assist Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at airports nationwide, a response to significant delays caused by staffing shortages amid a partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

U.S Newsneutral
NBC News
Mar 23

ICE agents spotted in airports across the country in plan to assist TSA

ICE agents have been deployed to airports across the United States to assist the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) following significant staffing shortages, as announced by President Donald Trump. This deployment is set to begin on Monday, with agents already observed at major airports, including Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

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Fox News
Mar 21

Trump threatens to deploy ICE agents to airports amid funding fight, vows arrests of illegal aliens

President Donald Trump has announced plans to deploy Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to U.S. airports, threatening to arrest illegal immigrants if Democrats do not agree to his demands to end the government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This decision comes amid significant delays at airports due to staffing shortages and ongoing funding disputes.

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