Trump deploys ICE agents to airports to assist TSA during government shutdown

President Trump deployed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to 14 U.S. airports starting March 23, 2026, to assist with security screening amid hours-long TSA lines. The deployment came during a partial government shutdown that began February 14, leaving TSA agents working without pay and causing record absenteeism. Border czar Tom Homan managed the deployment, stating agents were there to "help Americans transit those lines." Trump announced the plan at a Memphis event, saying "We put ICE in charge, they are helping TSA agents." The move raised questions about why ICE agents received pay during the shutdown while TSA workers did not—a disparity that highlighted selective prioritization of immigration enforcement over transportation security. Major airports in Atlanta and Houston reported hours-long waits, with travelers facing significant delays across the country. The shutdown itself was triggered by Trump's demands for border wall funding.

"We put ICE in charge, they are helping TSA agents." — Announced at a Memphis event while TSA workers went unpaid during the government shutdown