Trump Orders ICE to Prepare for Airport Operations Amid Congressional Standoff
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he would direct federal immigration authorities to implement new measures at airports, effective Monday, unless Democrats agree to a funding bill from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
In a series of social media posts, Trump emphasized his intention to deploy U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to airports if the deadlock in Congress continues. Following the Senate’s failure to resolve the impasse during an unusually convened weekend session, Trump reiterated his stance, stating, “ICE will be ready to act on Monday.”
This announcement comes amidst a partial government shutdown, which has resulted in long wait times at some of the nation’s busiest airports. The Republican president asserted that the presence of ICE agents would bolster his administration’s immigration enforcement efforts at airports, pledging to apprehend “all illegal immigrants.”
While weekending in Florida, Trump declared, “We look forward to moving ICE on Monday. We are already telling them to ‘get ready.’ No more waiting, no more games!” His remarks reflect a broader strategy to extend the scope of immigration enforcement, which has been a contentious issue delaying congressional negotiations on funding.
Democrats have vowed to reject funding for the DHS unless modifications are made in response to concerns raised following a recent crackdown that resulted in the deaths of two protesters in Minnesota. They seek enhanced identification for federal law enforcement officers, a new code of conduct for the agency, and greater emphasis on judicial warrants.
The recent operations in Minnesota were partly linked to alleged fraud involving Somali residents. Trump stated that airport-focused ICE officers would prioritize the apprehension of undocumented Somali immigrants, reiterating his critical stance on the Somali community, claiming they have “completely destroyed” Minnesota.
Additionally, Trump’s announcement lacked specifics on the role ICE would play in airport security and how this would impact the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which is responsible for screening passengers and luggage for hazardous materials. While most TSA employees are deemed essential and continue to work without pay, attendance issues have begun to surface. Since the partial shutdown started on February 14, at least 376 TSA employees have resigned.
The Senate rejected a Democratic proposal aimed at reopening the TSA and compensating workers still on duty during the shutdown. Republicans argue that funding for all aspects of the DHS is necessary, rather than piecemeal solutions. Progress seems elusive, as a bill to fund the department did not gain traction in the Senate on Friday.
Despite these challenges, there are indications of potential breakthroughs, as discussions between Democratic leaders and the White House resumed. On Saturday, senators from both parties met with White House officials for the third consecutive day, with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer describing the talks as “productive.”
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) urged bipartisan collaboration to address the growing airport delays. “If the groups that are meeting don’t find a solution soon, things are going to get worse and worse,” Thune warned on Saturday.
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Associated Press writer Mary Claire Jalonick in Washington contributed to this report.
