One idea the administration has is to assign ICE agents to jobs that would free up TSA employees to do security screenings. As an example, you could have ICE agents monitor airport exits that normally TSA agents would watch that would free them up to work elsewhere. We're seeing hours-long waits to get through security at airports where large numbers of TSA agents, sometimes up to 40%, aren't showing up for work because they're not being paid. Funding for the Department of Homeland Security ran out more than *** month ago as Democrats protest the Trump administration's immigration enforcement tactics. Border czar Tom Homan met with Senate Democrats on Friday as the two sides tried to compromise. The White House is agreeing to some of Democrats' demands like body cameras, better identification of agents, and limiting arrests in hospitals and schools, but not committing to other asks like removing face masks. And requiring judicial warrants to enter private property. I'm trying to explain that the situation on the ground isn't the same as it was in Minneapolis. You know, we're doing target enforcement operations. Last week, Democrats unsuccessfully tried to separate funding for Homeland Security agencies like TSA, for example, and leave out money for immigration enforcement agencies. Republicans have said that funding should be all or nothing. Reporting in Washington, I'm Amy Liu.
ICE agents deployed to airports amid TSA staff shortages
The Trump administration is sending ICE agents to airports nationwide to assist TSA workers affected by the government shutdown.
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Updated: 8:39 AM EDT Mar 23, 2026
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The Trump administration is deploying Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to airports across the country to assist Transportation Security Administration workers who have not been paid due to the ongoing partial government shutdown impacting the Department of Homeland Security.The administration plans to assign ICE agents to jobs that would free up TSA employees to focus on security screenings, such as monitoring airport exits, which is typically done by TSA staff. President Donald Trump announced the new policy on Sunday morning, saying it would take effect on Monday. White House Border Czar Tom Homan, in charge of the effort, said details were still being figured out. Homan said ICE already works in airports across the country, so the logistics wouldn't be difficult. The agents will likely help out at places with the biggest call-outs and wait times.The move comes as airports across the country experience hourslong waits for security, with up to 40% of TSA agents not showing up for work due to lack of pay. Funding for DHS ran out more than a month ago, as Democrats have protested the Trump administration's immigration enforcement tactics.In Washington, Homan met with Senate Democrats on Friday as both sides attempt to reach a compromise. The White House has agreed to some Democratic demands, including body cameras, better identification of agents, and limiting arrests in hospitals and schools, but has not committed to other requests like removing face masks and requiring judicial warrants to enter private property."I'm trying to explain the situation on the ground isn't the same as it was in Minneapolis," Homan said in an interview Sunday. "We're doing targeted enforcement operations."Last week, Democrats unsuccessfully tried to fund separate individual Homeland Security agencies like TSA while leaving out money for immigration enforcement agencies, though Republicans say funding should be all or nothing."Until we get commitments from the administration that ICE is going to behave legally, yes, I believe that Democrats should stand together," Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Connecticut, said. "I think we have an obligation to not fund an agency that is acting this lawlessly."Watch the latest on the partial government shutdown:
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration is deploying Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to airports across the country to assist Transportation Security Administration workers who have not been paid due to the ongoing partial government shutdown impacting the Department of Homeland Security.
The administration plans to assign ICE agents to jobs that would free up TSA employees to focus on security screenings, such as monitoring airport exits, which is typically done by TSA staff.
President Donald Trump announced the new policy on Sunday morning, saying it would take effect on Monday. White House Border Czar Tom Homan, in charge of the effort, said details were still being figured out. Homan said ICE already works in airports across the country, so the logistics wouldn't be difficult. The agents will likely help out at places with the biggest call-outs and wait times.
The move comes as airports across the country experience hourslong waits for security, with up to 40% of TSA agents not showing up for work due to lack of pay. Funding for DHS ran out more than a month ago, as Democrats have protested the Trump administration's immigration enforcement tactics.
In Washington, Homan met with Senate Democrats on Friday as both sides attempt to reach a compromise. The White House has agreed to some Democratic demands, including body cameras, better identification of agents, and limiting arrests in hospitals and schools, but has not committed to other requests like removing face masks and requiring judicial warrants to enter private property.
"I'm trying to explain the situation on the ground isn't the same as it was in Minneapolis," Homan said in an interview Sunday. "We're doing targeted enforcement operations."
Last week, Democrats unsuccessfully tried to fund separate individual Homeland Security agencies like TSA while leaving out money for immigration enforcement agencies, though Republicans say funding should be all or nothing.
"Until we get commitments from the administration that ICE is going to behave legally, yes, I believe that Democrats should stand together," Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Connecticut, said. "I think we have an obligation to not fund an agency that is acting this lawlessly."
Watch the latest on the partial government shutdown:
