ICE Agents Deployed to Major Airports During Partial Government Shutdown
Border Czar Tom Homan has pledged that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will perform dual roles at airports across the United States, both assisting with security operations and continuing to enforce President Donald Trump's immigration policies. Homan outlined the duties of federal immigration officers as they arrived at airports on Monday, describing the deployment as a strategic response to the ongoing partial government shutdown.
Security Functions and Immigration Enforcement Combined
"We're filling the holes, the wait lines have already dropped. We're going to be at the airports and work with our brothers and sisters at TSA," Homan told Fox News. He emphasized that the agents' presence aims to keep air travel moving efficiently while addressing security threats. "We're going to keep the airplanes flying, we're going to get the American people through those lines quicker," he added.
Homan, who praised Trump's idea as "a smart move," detailed that ICE agents will serve a security function by arresting criminals, combating human trafficking, sex trafficking, and money smuggling at airports. He asserted that the agency remains committed to Trump's promise of enhancing national safety. "We're not gonna stop doing this job. They want ICE not to operate in sensitive locations. Here's what I said from day one - there's no sanctuary. There's no safe zone for significant public safety threats and national security threats," Homan declared.
Airport Deployments and Travel Disruptions
ICE agents were observed at several major airports, including Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International, John F. Kennedy International in New York, Newark Liberty International in New Jersey, George Bush Intercontinental in Houston, and Louis Armstrong International outside New Orleans. Additional airports, such as Phoenix's Sky Harbor International, confirmed ICE presence. While federal law enforcement officers are routine at international airports, immigration agents are rarely visible at TSA checkpoints for domestic travel.
Long wait times persisted at multiple hubs on Monday. Atlanta's Hartsfield–Jackson advised passengers to allow at least four hours for screenings, with lines extending from TSA areas to outside entrances. Houston's George Bush Intercontinental warned of potential waits exceeding four hours, and airports in Atlanta and New York City ceased updating wait-time trackers due to congestion. ICE officers patrolled terminals but were not seen checking IDs or interacting directly with passengers.
TSA Staffing Shortages and Safety Concerns
The partial government shutdown has exacerbated TSA staffing issues, with many agents calling in sick or resigning due to missed paychecks. On Sunday, 11.8% of TSA agents nationwide missed work—the highest rate during the shutdown—and over 400 officers have quit, according to the Department of Homeland Security. These shortages have forced some airports to close checkpoints intermittently, causing unpredictable wait times. Aviation unions have expressed safety concerns regarding the deployment of ICE officers, accusing the government of using TSA workers as pawns in the budget dispute.
Further disruptions occurred on the East Coast after a collision at New York's LaGuardia Airport on Sunday night killed two people and injured dozens, temporarily shutting down the airport and diverting air traffic.
Senate Negotiations on Homeland Security Funding
Late Monday, senators discussed a proposal to end the Homeland Security budget stalemate. The potential deal would fund much of the department, including unpaid TSA workers, but exclude ICE's enforcement and removal operations, which are central to the immigration policy dispute. Senate Majority Leader John Thune described the discussions as "very positive and productive," while Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer noted that both sides are working seriously toward a resolution.
The proposed package would fund ICE's Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection, with new restrictions to ensure officers focus on traditional roles rather than immigration roundups in cities. It also includes Democratic demands such as mandating body cameras and identification for officers. Additionally, senators confirmed Markwayne Mullin as Homeland Security secretary, replacing Kristi Noem. During his confirmation hearing, Mullin addressed another key Democratic requirement: ensuring judicial approval for warrants used in home searches, rather than relying solely on administrative warrants.
Homan criticized Democrats for withholding DHS funding, accusing them of "voting not to protect this country." He reiterated ICE's commitment to Trump's agenda, stating, "We're not gonna give up President Trump's promise to the American people to make this country safer every day and that's what we're going to keep doing."
