'No masks': Trump sends unmasked ICE to replace TSA as border war hits airports
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald J Trump said on Monday, March 23, that he wants Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents deployed to US airports to remain unmasked, as the administration moves to address staffing shortages caused by the ongoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding lapse.
In a Truth Social post, Trump said he would “greatly appreciate” a “NO MASKS” approach for agents working at airport checkpoints.
The directive comes as ICE personnel are being reassigned to assist with functions typically handled by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers, many of whom have been impacted by the funding disruption.
The administration has framed the deployment as a temporary measure to stabilize operations at major travel hubs facing delays and staffing gaps.
Tactical masks reserved for 'hardened criminals'
Trump clarified that his comments did not amount to a blanket restriction on mask usage by ICE.
He said he supported agents using masks during high-risk enforcement operations, particularly when dealing with individuals he described as dangerous or involved in illegal activity.
In his statement, the president linked such operations to broader immigration enforcement priorities, arguing that protective gear remained appropriate in situations involving elevated risk.
The distinction, he suggested, was between tactical field operations and public-facing roles such as airport security.
Direct attack on Joe Biden and 'border czar' Kamala Harris
The president also used the announcement to reiterate criticism of the previous administration’s immigration policies.
In his post, Trump referenced former President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, questioning their handling of border security and linking current operational challenges to past policy decisions.
The remarks reflected a continued effort by the administration to connect domestic security measures, including airport staffing, with its broader immigration agenda.
Unmasked presence at major airport terminals
The emphasis on unmasked ICE agents appears aimed at increasing visibility and public reassurance at airports experiencing long wait times and reduced staffing.
Recent reports have highlighted delays at major hubs, including Houston and Atlanta, where passenger processing has slowed significantly.
By directing agents to remain unmasked in these settings, the administration is signaling a focus on transparency and public-facing enforcement as ICE takes on an expanded role in airport operations during the DHS funding disruption.
