Trump eyes ICE takeover of US airport security as DHS shutdown drains TSA ranks
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump said on Saturday, March 21, that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents could be deployed to US airports as the funding impasse over the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) continues.
The statement follows the Senate’s failure to advance a funding bill that would have restored operations and pay for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) personnel.
In a post on social media, Trump said ICE agents could provide “security like no one has ever seen before,” adding they would be authorized to detain undocumented immigrants encountered at transit hubs.
He also referenced a focus on specific groups, including Somali nationals, in outlining potential enforcement actions.
Senate funding bill hits Democratic wall
Efforts to pass a broader DHS funding measure remained stalled after Senate Democrats withheld support for the latest proposal.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he would introduce an alternative plan during a weekend session aimed at funding TSA operations specifically.
That proposal is not expected to secure sufficient support, leaving the wider department without full funding. The ongoing standoff has raised concerns about the continuity of airport security operations and staffing.
Federal officials have warned that prolonged disruptions could affect airport functionality, particularly at smaller facilities that rely on consistent TSA staffing levels.
Staffing shortages trigger massive airport delays
The funding lapse has begun to affect airport operations nationwide. TSA officers missed a scheduled paycheck last weekend, contributing to increased absenteeism across multiple locations.
At George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, reports indicated that more than half of the scheduled TSA staff were absent on one day last week. By Friday, wait times at security checkpoints had extended to approximately two hours.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport also reported staffing shortages, with a significant percentage of officers not reporting for duty midweek.
Passengers in several cities, including New Orleans and Houston, have reported extended delays and missed departures due to longer screening lines.
Hundreds of officers quit the agency
Since the start of the DHS funding lapse, more than 300 TSA employees have left the agency, according to officials. The departures added to operational challenges, particularly as agencies attempted to maintain baseline security coverage.
Even if funding is restored, officials say rebuilding staffing levels could take time due to training and certification requirements for new personnel.
At Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, travelers expressed concern over the ongoing situation, urging lawmakers to reach an agreement to restore pay and stabilize operations.
The administration has not provided details on how ICE personnel would be integrated into airport security roles.
As negotiations continue in Congress, the situation has introduced new uncertainty around airport operations and the broader federal workforce tied to DHS functions.
