Updated March 22, 2026, 1:11 PM ET
President Trump Deploys ICE to Support TSA Amid Government Shutdown
President Donald Trump has announced that beginning March 23, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will be dispatched to airports to assist with the ongoing staffing shortages faced by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), triggered by the partial government shutdown.
Addressing the Partial Government Shutdown
This decision comes shortly after Trump indicated, on March 21, the need for federal immigration enforcement at airports due to mounting challenges stemming from congressional funding disputes, compounded by the influx of travelers during the spring break holiday.
Supporting TSA Agents and Addressing Risks
In a social media post on March 22, Trump stated, “On Monday, we will be heading to the airport to support our amazing TSA agents who are continuing to do their jobs despite the fact that ICE is putting America at risk by withholding funds agreed upon long ago in contracts signed and stamped by radical left-wing Democrats whose sole focus is protecting hard-line criminals who entered our country illegally.”
ICE’s Role Under White House Border Czar
Trump appointed White House border czar Tom Homan to lead this operation. The President emphasized an intention to utilize ICE agents to detain individuals who entered the U.S. without authorization, particularly criticizing individuals from Somalia, a focus he has maintained throughout his administration. However, it remains uncertain whether this deployment will involve ICE officers solely assisting TSA personnel or if their roles will extend to immigration enforcement within airports.
Limitations on ICE Responsibilities
Customs and Border Protection officers are typically responsible for managing immigration at airports. In an interview with CNN’s “State of the Union” on March 22, Homan clarified that ICE agents would not be operating security equipment like X-ray machines but would instead assist with various non-essential TSA tasks to enhance efficiency.
Concerns Over Safety and Security
Democratic Representative Hakeem Jeffries condemned the deployment, asserting it could jeopardize lives. He expressed concerns during an interview following Homan’s appearance, emphasizing the risks posed by untrained ICE agents at airports. He referred to previous incidents involving federal agents and stated, “We’re already seeing how ICE will act.”
Impact of the Government Shutdown on Travel
The TSA has faced significant personnel shortages, leading to extended wait times for travelers at security checkpoints nationwide. Approximately 50,000 TSA security personnel have been working without pay as a result of the ongoing shutdown.
Finalizing Deployment Plans
The partial government shutdown was initiated after Democrats refused to fund the Department of Homeland Security. It continued until the department amended its immigration policies following a violent crackdown in Minnesota. Republicans previously dismissed a proposal from Democrats to fund only the non-immigrant enforcement division—including TSA. Although specifics remain unclear regarding which airports will receive ICE agents and how many will be deployed, Homan described the operation as evolving and anticipated finalization of plans by the evening of March 22, suggesting prioritization for airports with the most significant delays affecting travelers.
