ICE Officers Deployed to U.S. Airports to Assist TSA During Shutdown

Officers with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have been deployed to airports across the United States starting March 23, 2026, following an announcement by President Donald Trump. This move aims to assist Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents who are grappling with severe staffing shortages due to a partial government shutdown.

ICE personnel are now present at more than a dozen airports, including major hubs like John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), and Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL). The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that the deployment is intended to "strengthen TSA operations, help keep our skies safe, and reduce disruptions for the traveling public," according to acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis.

The deployment comes at a time when the TSA is facing unprecedented challenges. More than 400 TSA officers have quit, and over 10% of the workforce has been absent, with many working without pay since February 14. This staffing crisis has led to reports of wait times exceeding four hours at some airports, prompting the urgent need for assistance.

ICE officers have been tasked with handling exit lanes, checking IDs, and assisting with crowd control, but they are not trained to operate TSA’s X-ray machines or conduct security screenings. This has raised questions among travelers about the effectiveness of ICE’s role at airports. Videos and photos have shown ICE agents watching security queues, distributing water bottles, and providing directions to passengers.

"There are roles we can play to release TSA officers from the non-significant roles, such as guarding an exit so they can get back to the scanning machines and move people quicker," said Tom Homan, the White House border czar overseeing the operation. He emphasized that the intention is to support TSA rather than conduct immigration enforcement.

Notably, the deployment has sparked mixed reactions among travelers. Some express support for the presence of ICE, viewing it positively, whereas others are skeptical, fearing increased intimidation at airports due to the agency's history of immigration enforcement. Jarrod Wardwell, a reporter for the Houston Chronicle, noted that at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport, passengers reported long lines stretching across multiple floors, and some questioned whether ICE’s presence had made any real difference.

Wardwell highlighted that at Houston's William P. Hobby Airport, where officials requested national deployment officers, wait times have significantly decreased, with passengers moving through TSA lines quickly. Conversely, at Bush Airport, the situation remained dire, with ICE officers primarily guiding passengers rather than alleviating staffing shortages.

During a recent House Homeland Security Committee hearing, TSA chief Ha Nguyen McNeill praised ICE for its assistance but acknowledged the dire staffing situation that has persisted during the shutdown. She revealed that TSA had lost over 1,500 employees this fiscal year due to various factors, including the current government shutdown, which has forced many TSA agents to work without pay.

McNeill also pointed out that ICE personnel had received only two days of training to assist TSA, a fact that drew criticism from some lawmakers. Democratic representatives expressed concerns that the deployment was merely a political performance rather than a genuine effort to bolster airport security. "Today is Wednesday, you said they started Monday, which spells out exactly our fear: it’s nothing more than window dressing and cheap theater," said Rep. Troy Carter.

Amid these staffing challenges, the TSA has been forced to make difficult decisions about airport operations. With the upcoming World Cup on the horizon, McNeill emphasized the importance of monitoring staffing levels closely. The agency's ability to maintain security standards is under scrutiny, especially with more than 100,000 Homeland Security employees facing delayed paychecks.

Travel disruptions have also been exacerbated by other incidents, such as the recent closure of New York’s LaGuardia Airport following a tragic crash involving an Air Canada plane and a fire truck. This incident resulted from the crash itself and from existing staffing shortages, leading to massive delays and cancellations.

ICE’s deployment has not been uniform across all major airports. Notably, locations such Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), and Denver International Airport (DEN) have not reported ICE presence, raising questions about the criteria for deployment. The DHS has not provided a detailed rationale for the selection of specific airports.

With the political situation surrounding the shutdown remaining contentious, negotiations continue among lawmakers. Democrats are advocating for funding to support TSA and other non-immigration components of DHS, but efforts have been met with resistance from Republican lawmakers. Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated that a vote would be held soon on a measure to fund DHS, excluding ICE’s enforcement operations.

Travelers are left to navigate the uncertain environment at U.S. airports, where the presence of ICE agents is intended to ease congestion but has also raised concerns about the agency's role. The situation remains fluid, with no clear end to the shutdown or the deployment of ICE personnel. With the TSA facing a staffing crisis and impending deadlines for major events, the pressure is on for a resolution that satisfies both security needs and the concerns of the traveling public.

For now, travelers are urged to remain patient and prepared for potential delays, with the hope that a political compromise will soon alleviate the burdens faced by TSA and the traveling public alike.