Chaos at Airports: ICE Agents Deployed to Manage TSA Lines

On March 23, 2026, travelers at Newark Liberty International Airport experienced fluctuating security wait times of 10 to 25 minutes, a stark comparison to the two-and-a-half to three-hour lines reported at major airports like Atlanta, New Orleans, Houston, and Phoenix. These prolonged delays stemmed from mass callouts by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents, who have been adversely affected by a prolonged government shutdown.

President Donald Trump announced the deployment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to assist TSA personnel at airports nationwide, including Newark and JFK, to alleviate the mounting pressure of long security lines. This decision, made over the weekend, was intended to address the severe staffing shortages resulting from the shutdown, which has left many TSA employees unpaid and unable to afford basic living expenses.

At Newark, ICE agents were seen patrolling the terminals, wearing POLICE vests that identified them clearly. Videos circulated online showing these agents at both Newark and JFK airports, where they were tasked with roles such as crowd control and managing security lines, but not with screening passengers or operating X-ray machines due to their lack of training.

Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) voiced his concerns about the presence of ICE agents at the airport, stating, "The frustration Americans are feeling today grows. It grows because they come to the airports and they see ICE agents who have no training or specified skills to do the jobs of the TSA." He urged Trump to fund the TSA and remove ICE from airports, emphasizing that the deployment of ICE agents only adds to the chaos and confusion.

Booker’s remarks came during a press conference at Newark Airport, where he highlighted the lack of specialized training ICE agents receive compared to TSA workers. "Most Americans know that ICE is reckless and out of control. That is an insult to TSA workers and it doesn’t actually help them," he added, underscoring the heightened tension among travelers.

The TSA has been facing a staffing crisis, with over 400 TSA officers quitting since the shutdown began on February 14, 2026, according to Lauren Bis, acting assistant secretary of Homeland Security. She described the situation, saying, "This pointless, reckless shutdown of our Homeland Security workforce has caused more than 400 TSA officers to quit and thousands to call out from work because they are not able to afford gas, childcare, food, or rent." On Sunday alone, 11.8% of TSA agents missed work, the highest rate recorded during the shutdown.

Trump's administration has linked the deployment of ICE agents to the urgent need for action, stating that the agents would help bolster TSA efforts to minimize air travel disruptions. Bis noted that ICE agents could cover exits, check identification, and manage crowd control to allow TSA officers to focus on screening passengers. Yet, the effectiveness of this strategy remains questionable, with travelers still reporting long wait times.

ICE agents were also reported at 11 other major airports, including Chicago, Cleveland, and Atlanta, where massive crowds have been observed. At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, wait times reached alarming levels, prompting officials to issue a four-hour warning for TSA lines. Meanwhile, LaGuardia Airport was temporarily closed following a fatal airplane crash, adding to the travel chaos.

The deployment of ICE agents has raised concerns among various communities, with many fearing that their presence could escalate tensions. Critics argue that the move is politically motivated, aimed at pressuring Democrats into supporting funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) without necessary reforms. The Democrats have opposed DHS funding without addressing immigration issues, particularly following a crackdown that resulted from protests against police violence.

Trump has threatened to deploy National Guard troops alongside ICE agents at airports if the shutdown continues, stating, "We will not make a deal until the crazy, country-destroying, radical left Democrats support the SAVE America Act." This statement reflects the administration's hardline stance and willingness to escalate measures to resolve the funding impasse.

With thousands of travelers heading to airports for spring break and NCAA basketball games, the situation has become increasingly dire. Newark Airport reported over 174 delays by late morning on March 23, with numerous flights affected across various airlines. The TSA has advised travelers to check airport websites for real-time updates on wait times and potential delays.

Amid this turmoil, the TSA's official website suspended reporting on wait times, citing the unpredictable nature of the staffing crisis. Travelers have been encouraged to utilize third-party apps and websites to gauge wait times, but many have expressed frustration over the lack of clarity and consistency.

The situation at Newark and JFK airports serves to highlight the immediate challenges posed by the government shutdown and reflects broader issues within the immigration and transportation systems. The presence of ICE agents, intended to alleviate pressure on TSA staff, has instead added a layer of complexity and concern for travelers who are already facing long wait times and uncertainty.

Moving forward, the outcome of negotiations between the Trump administration and Congress on DHS funding will be closely watched. The potential for continued deployment of ICE agents at airports raises questions about the future of airport security and the balance between immigration enforcement and passenger safety. For now, travelers are left to navigate the chaos, waiting for a resolution to a situation that has left many feeling anxious and uncertain.

With the government shutdown entering its 38th day, the urgency for a resolution has never been greater. The stakes are high, not only for those traveling during the busy spring season but for the many TSA employees who continue to work without pay, facing mounting financial pressures.

"Pay TSA and get ICE the hell out of our airports," Booker concluded, encapsulating the sentiments of many frustrated travelers and workers alike.