WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will be deployed to major U.S. airports starting Monday to assist Transportation Security Administration (TSA) operations during an ongoing funding standoff affecting the Department of Homeland Security.
The move comes as roughly 50,000 TSA employees continue working without pay due to a partial government shutdown that began in mid-February. The staffing shortfall has led to longer security lines at airports nationwide, raising concerns about delays and operational strain.
Trump said the ICE deployment would help maintain airport security operations and reduce wait times, while also advancing immigration enforcement priorities. In a Truth Social post, he criticized Democrats for withholding DHS funding, accusing them of prioritizing immigration protections over public safety.
ICE operations will be coordinated by border czar Tom Homan, who said a plan for airport deployment would be finalized quickly. Officials noted ICE personnel have previously operated in airports, though this effort would expand their role in supporting TSA functions.
Democratic leaders, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, have criticized the administration’s approach, arguing Republicans have blocked targeted funding measures for TSA workers. Republicans counter that broader DHS funding is necessary to address growing operational challenges.
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