Airports across the United States are appealing for donations to support Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees who have been working without pay since the partial government shutdown began in February. TSA staff missed their first full paychecks on Friday, with the shutdown stemming from a funding dispute between Republicans and Democrats over the Department of Homeland Security, the TSA's parent agency.
In response, several airports have set up food pantries and are requesting gift cards for groceries and fuel. Denver, Seattle, Las Vegas, Reno, Cleveland, Orlando, New York, and New Jersey airports are among those accepting donations. However, federal regulations prohibit TSA employees from accepting cash or cash-equivalent cards like Visa gift cards, and all gift cards must be valued at $20 or less.
The shutdown has led to intermittent long security lines at some airports. At Miami International Airport on Thursday, clearance times doubled at times. A video of a lengthy queue at New Orleans' airport went viral. However, airports in Denver, Orlando, Las Vegas, and Cleveland reported normal wait times, even during the busy spring break travel season.
Las Vegas airport reopened a food and essentials pantry first established during a 2019 shutdown. Spokesperson Amanda Mazzagatti noted that workers still recovering from the previous shutdown are particularly in need. Cleveland airport also reopened its pantry in March, with public information officer Michele Dynia stating, 'The airport is like a family, and this is our way to help out our family members.'
The shutdown has intensified as Democrats resist funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), agencies tasked with the Trump administration's mass deportation campaign. One TSA agent at Miami airport remarked, 'Not enough. Nothing happens until the public feels some pain.'
