As the US government shutdown causes TSA staffing shortages, ICE agents step in at major airports to help manage delays.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers have been deployed to 14 US airports to address staffing shortages caused by the ongoing partial government shutdown. The shutdown has left Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers working without pay, leading to increased absences and long lines at security checkpoints.
President Donald Trump announced the deployment, stating that ICE agents would support airport operations. Officials clarified that these agents will handle administrative tasks such as managing queues and assisting with non-security functions, but will not conduct passenger screenings.
Impact of the Shutdown on TSA
About 50,000 TSA officers have not received pay since the shutdown began in February, resulting in a high absence rate. On a recent Sunday, nearly 12 percent of TSA officers, or more than 3,450 workers, did not report for duty, exacerbating delays at major airports.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees TSA, lacks funding due to a congressional deadlock. Democrats demanded changes to immigration policies, including requirements for agents to identify themselves and bans on racial profiling, but Republicans rejected these proposals.
ICE remains operational because it received separate funding through a law passed last year. This allows ICE agents to assist at airports without interruption, though some travelers and civil rights groups have expressed concerns about their presence potentially alarming immigrant communities.
The affected airports include Atlanta and New York's JFK, among others, though a full list has not been released. Travelers have reported chaotic conditions, with one passenger in Arlington, Virginia, describing the situation as unprecedented.
Acting Deputy TSA Administrator Adam Stahl confirmed that ICE agents will focus on supporting roles to alleviate the strain on TSA staff. This move highlights the broader effects of the funding dispute on essential services like airport security.
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