HOME / POLITICS

Noem slams brakes on TSA PreCheck, Global Entry as Democrats allege punishment

Travelers will face longer security and customs lines as officers shift to general screening during the partial shutdown now entering its second week

BY ARUN JAYAN

UPDATED FEB 22, 2026

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that customs officers normally handling pre-approved travelers will instead assist with regular international arrivals during the funding lapse (Getty Images)

This story has been updated to reflect changes regarding the current status of TSA PreCheck

Update: TSA PreCheck will continue operating for now, a Transportation Security Administration spokesperson said on Sunday, February 22, walking back earlier indications that the Department of Homeland Security’s expedited screening program would be suspended because of the agency’s funding lapse.

The spokesperson cautioned, however, that the TSA “will evaluate on a case by case basis and adjust operations accordingly” based on “staffing constraints.”

“Courtesy escorts, such as those for Members of Congress, have been suspended to allow officers to focus on the mission of securing America’s skies,” the statement said.

WASHINGTON, DC: Air travelers could soon encounter longer wait times at US airports after the Department of Homeland Security confirmed it was suspending TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs as part of a partial government shutdown now in its second week.

DHS officials said that the Transportation Security Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency entered emergency operating status at 6 am ET on Sunday, February 22.

FEMA will pause all non-disaster-related activities, while TSA has suspended all PreCheck services, along with courtesies such as congressional and family police escorts at airports.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem testifies before the House Appropriations Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill on May 06, 2025 in Washington, DC. Tasked with the Trump Administration's effort to deport millions of undocumented migrants from the United States, Noem testified before the Homeland Security Subcommittee about her department's FY 2026 budget request. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) — Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem testifies before the House Appropriations Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill on May 06, 2025, in Washington, DC (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Kristi Noem says focus is on general travelers

The US Customs and Border Protection will also suspend Global Entry processing. Officers typically assigned to handle Global Entry travelers will instead be redeployed to assist with general passenger arrivals.

DHS said normal operations across agencies will resume once the shutdown ends.

In a statement issued, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said that the decision was aimed at prioritizing the broader traveling public.

“TSA and CBP are prioritizing the general traveling population at our airports and ports of entry and suspending courtesy and special privilege escorts,” Noem said.

She also cited a major winter storm forecast to hit the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, saying FEMA must halt non-essential work to focus on disaster response.

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 12: Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) speaks at a press conference on February 12, 2026 in Washington, DC. The Department of Homeland Security will shut down if congress doesn't pass legislation funding the agency by Friday. (Photo by Heather Diehl/Getty Images) — Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) speaks at a press conference on February 12, 2026, in Washington, DC (Heather Diehl/Getty Images)

Shutdown rooted in DHS funding fight

The partial shutdown began on February 14 after lawmakers failed to reach an agreement on DHS funding.

Democrats withheld support while demanding changes to the agency following the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis last month by federal immigration agents.

Beyond TSA and FEMA, the shutdown is affecting multiple DHS components, including the Coast Guard and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. Roughly 13% of the federal civilian workforce is impacted.

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 27: Chairman Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS) delivers opening remarks at the first — Chairman Rep Bennie Thompson delivers opening remarks before members of the Select Committee in Washington, DC, on July 27, 2021 (CHIP SOMODEVILLA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Democrats slam move as political punishment

The suspension drew sharp criticism from Democratic Rep Bennie Thompson, the ranking member of the House Homeland Security Committee.

“These nitwits are at it again,” Thompson said, accusing President Donald Trump and Noem of deliberately punishing Americans.

He argued that TSA PreCheck and Global Entry reduce airport congestion and ease pressure on DHS staff who are working without pay during the shutdown.

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 20: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks answers questions during a press briefing held at the White House February 20, 2026 in Washington, DC. The U.S. Supreme Court today ruled against Trump’s use of emergency powers to implement international trade tariffs, a central portion of the administration’s core economic policy. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) — President Donald Trump answers questions during a press briefing held at the White House on February 20, 2026, in Washington, DC (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

TSA PreCheck allows approved travelers to move more quickly through airport security after completing an application, background check, and fee payment. As of 2024, more than 20 million people were enrolled in the program.

Global Entry, run by CBP, offers expedited clearance for frequent international travelers, including US citizens, lawful permanent residents, and citizens of nearly two dozen other countries.