Travelers face delays exceeding four hours at major hubs, prompting deployment of ICE agents to assist TSA operations.
Category: Politics
Travelers across the United States are facing unprecedented delays at airport security checkpoints, with wait times exceeding four hours at major hubs, due to a partial government shutdown that has now entered its fifth week. The shutdown, which began due to a lapse of funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) over immigration enforcement disputes, has left many Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees working without pay.
On March 23, 2026, at Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), security lines reached a staggering six hours, with travelers reporting that queues snaked through multiple floors of the terminal. This alarming trend is not isolated to Houston; similar reports have emerged from airports across the country, including Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, where long lines prompted the airport to advise travelers to arrive four hours before their flights.
According to reports, more than 3,400 TSA officers, nearly 12% of those scheduled to work, called out on March 22, marking the highest absenteeism since the shutdown began. The situation has been exacerbated by the closure of expedited TSA PreCheck and CLEAR lanes at various airports, leaving passengers to navigate standard security lines that are now significantly longer than usual.
To alleviate the staffing crisis, President Trump ordered the deployment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to assist TSA operations at 14 airports nationwide. At the Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) and other locations, ICE agents were seen patrolling the terminals, reportedly to help manage crowd control and maintain order. Lauren Bis, the DHS Acting Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, stated that the agency would not disclose the specific locations of the ICE agents for operational security reasons.
Meanwhile, the financial strain on TSA workers has become increasingly dire. Many officers are struggling to afford basic necessities, with reports indicating that some cannot even pay for gas to commute to work. The TSA's official social media accounts highlighted the challenges faced by these workers, noting that the lack of pay has led to over 400 TSA employees quitting their jobs.
"Some TSA officers can’t afford gas to drive to work because they aren’t getting paid," the TSA posted on X. "The financial hardship this Democrat-led chaos created has already forced more than 300 of these heroic officers to LEAVE the force." The agency also indicated that the call-out rate for TSA employees is now five times higher than normal.
Airline CEOs have voiced their frustrations over the situation, urging Congress to resolve the funding impasse. They argue that the long lines and delays are causing considerable disruption to air travel, particularly during the busy spring break season. "Americans — who live within your districts and home states — are tired of long lines at airports, travel delays, and flight cancellations caused by shutdown after shutdown," they wrote to Congress.
Congressional leaders remain divided over the shutdown, with Republicans blaming Democrats for the impasse, and Democrats insisting on immigration enforcement reforms before agreeing to fund the DHS. Senator Ted Cruz expressed support for a proposal that would fund TSA and other DHS agencies, excluding ICE and Customs and Border Protection. The proposal was rejected by President Trump, who urged Republicans to resist any compromises.
At Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, the situation was similarly chaotic. On March 23, reports indicated that 41.5% of TSA workers did not show up for work, contributing to long lines that stretched outside the terminal. By the afternoon, the situation had improved somewhat, but travelers were still advised to arrive early to avoid missing flights.
Frustration among passengers is palpable, with many expressing concerns about missing their flights due to the lengthy security lines. Cheryl Black, a traveler heading to California, noted that her party had arrived early but still faced delays. "We had been watching the news reports and saw that the earliest lines seemed the longest, so we were glad that our flight was later," she said.
Protests have erupted at some airports against the presence of ICE agents. On March 23, demonstrators rallied outside the South Terminal of Hartsfield-Jackson, voicing their discontent with the federal agency's involvement at the airport.
The shutdown's impact extends beyond just staffing and wait times. The MyTSA mobile app, which typically provides real-time updates on wait times, has not been updated since February 17 due to the funding lapse. This has left travelers without reliable information on what to expect when they arrive at the airport.
With the shutdown showing no signs of resolution, airport officials and travelers alike are bracing for continued disruptions. Delta Air Lines has begun making adjustments to its flight schedules, with employees assisting TSA agents to help manage the flow of passengers. Yet, the uncertainty surrounding the shutdown means that travelers may still face long waits at security checkpoints.
Travelers are advised to check their airport's website and social media for the latest updates on security wait times, and to plan for longer-than-usual travel times. For those flying this spring, the message is clear: arrive early and be prepared for delays.
On March 24, 2026, the situation remains fluid, with airport officials and travelers hoping for a resolution to the funding crisis that has led to these unprecedented delays. Until then, the travel experience may continue to be marred by long wait times and staffing shortages.