ICE Agents Deploy to Major U.S. Airports to Assist Strained TSA Checkpoints
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Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers began assisting at security checkpoints in at least 13 major U.S. airports on March 23. The deployment addresses severe staffing shortages among Transportation Security Administration screeners during a partial government shutdown now in its fifth week. Travelers at affected hubs reported wait times stretching several hours.
The airports receiving ICE support include Chicago O’Hare, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, John F. Kennedy, LaGuardia, Newark Liberty, Houston Hobby, Cleveland Hopkins, Louis Armstrong New Orleans and Luis Muñoz Marin in Puerto Rico. Additional sites such as Phoenix Sky Harbor also saw ICE presence. Officers appeared in tactical gear near checkpoints but operated only in pre-security areas due to clearance limitations.
Absence rates among TSA personnel exceeded one-third at several large airports over the weekend. The Department of Homeland Security authorized the temporary reassignment to prevent further escalation of delays. Long lines wrapped through terminals at Atlanta and New York facilities, with some passengers missing flights after waits of four to six hours.
The Trump administration described the move as a direct response to funding disputes affecting DHS operations. ICE agents supplemented ID checks and basic screening functions while TSA staff continued core duties where present. No incidents of overreach were immediately reported, though travelers noted the visible shift in personnel.
Airport operators issued advisories urging passengers to arrive earlier than usual. Some smaller facilities not on the deployment list experienced minimal disruption. Officials warned that sustained high call-out rates could force temporary closures at vulnerable sites ahead of peak holiday periods.
The action highlights ongoing coordination challenges between federal agencies amid budget impasses. Passenger volumes remained steady despite the chaos, with many adjusting itineraries or opting for alternative routes. Residual effects on flight schedules persisted into the following day across the Northeast and Southeast corridors.
Travelers should check real-time TSA wait time apps and airline alerts before heading to airports on the affected list. The deployment provides short-term relief while broader funding negotiations continue in Congress. No timeline has been set for the ICE assistance to end.
