US President Donald Trump announced on Sunday (March 22) that starting Monday (March 23) agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement would be deployed to airports, with border czar Tom Homan leading the effort. The move comes as a partial government shutdown continues to disrupt airport operations across the United States.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump framed the decision as a response to staffing shortages plaguing the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
“On Monday, ICE will go to the airport to help our amazing TSA agents who have stayed on the job despite the fact that radical left-wing Democrats … are threatening the US by withholding money,” Trump wrote.
He also praised Homan’s leadership: “THEY ARE DOING A FANTASTIC JOB. Big Tom Homan is in charge.”
Trump’s announcement follows his earlier warning that ICE agents would be deployed if lawmakers did not reach a deal on funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Shutdown impact worsens airport conditions
The ongoing partial shutdown, which began in mid-February, has left many TSA officers working without pay, contributing to understaffing and increasing delays at airport security checkpoints.
Passengers across the country have been warned to expect longer waiting times, with some airports already experiencing significant congestion.
TSA employees missed a paycheck
Employees from the Transportation Security Administration are poised to miss a second full paycheck amid the ongoing U.S. government shutdown as lawmakers remain deadlocked over funding for the Department of Homeland Security.
Travel is disrupted by staff shortages
The funding impasse has led to mounting disruptions at airports, with more than 10% of TSA officers calling in sick for several days, Reuters reports. More than 400 employees have resigned since the shutdown began in mid-February, exacerbating staff shortages and increasing wait times for passengers.
ICE’s role raises concerns
Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are deployed to assist at airports, although they are not specifically trained for the TSA’s security screening role. The move drew criticism from Democrats and civil liberties groups.
Musk offers support
Elon Musk offered to cover the wages of TSA workers during the shutdown, citing the impact on airport operations, though no official response has been issued.
An uncertain way forward
Lawmakers from both parties continue negotiations to fund DHS and end the shutdown, but no resolution has been reached. Until then, airports remain under pressure, uncertain about staffing levels and the effectiveness of emergency measures such as the deployment of ICE.
