Trump Threatens to Deploy Immigration Agents for Airport Security
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) – President Donald Trump announced plans on Saturday to deploy federal immigration agents as airport security starting Monday, should Democrats fail to agree on a funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
In a series of social media posts, Trump stated that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents would be positioned at airports if the congressional standoff persists. Following the Senate’s inability to reach a compromise during an unusual weekend session, Trump maintained his stance, asserting, “ICE will be ready on Monday.”
This announcement coincides with partial government shutdowns that have resulted in extended wait times at several major airports. Lines have been reported to be significantly longer as federal resources become strained.
Trump characterized the deployment of ICE agents as a necessary measure to strengthen immigration enforcement at airports, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to detain “all illegal immigrants.” He mentioned, “We look forward to ICE moving in on Monday and are already telling them to ‘get ready.’ No more waiting, no more games!” while spending the weekend in Florida.
The proposed move appears to target ongoing disputes regarding immigration policy, particularly following a crackdown that has left Democrats demanding reforms in federal law enforcement practices. They have insisted on improvements in officer identification, a new code of conduct for federal agents, and enhanced use of judicial warrants in the wake of public unrest, including the shooting deaths of two protesters in Minnesota.
The crackdown was partially connected to allegations of fraud involving Somali residents. Trump indicated that ICE’s presence at airports would specifically focus on apprehending undocumented Somali immigrants, reiterating his controversial views on the impact of Somali communities in Minnesota.
He remarked, “If Democrats don’t allow fair and adequate security at our airports and across the country, ICE will do a much better job than it has in the past.” However, details concerning the precise role ICE agents would play in airport security and the implications for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) remain unclear. The TSA is responsible for screening passengers and baggage for hazardous materials.
While a majority of TSA employees are classified as essential and are currently working without pay, attendance rates have begun to decline at various airports. The Department of Homeland Security reported that at least 376 TSA personnel have resigned since the funding lapse began on February 14.
The Senate recently rejected a Democratic motion to advance a bill aimed at reopening TSA operations and compensating unpaid workers. Republicans have expressed that comprehensive funding for all DHS components is necessary, rather than isolated measures. A proposed bill to fund the Cabinet Office failed to garner sufficient support in the Senate on Friday.
Despite the standoff, there are signs of renewed dialogue, with negotiations resuming between the Democratic Party and the White House. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer spoke of successful discussions after private meetings involving both Republican and Democratic senators with White House officials.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has urged swift action from the bipartisan group, warning that failure to reach an agreement would exacerbate the current situation at airports. “If the groups that are meeting don’t find a solution soon, things are going to get worse and worse,” Thune cautioned on Saturday.
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Associated Press writer Mary Claire Jalonick in Washington contributed to this report.
