Trump Threatens to Deploy ICE at US Airports Amid Government Shutdown
President Donald Trump has issued a strong warning that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents could be deployed to U.S. airports as early as Monday, as the partial government shutdown continues to cause widespread disruption. This move comes amid growing chaos at airports across the country, particularly during peak spring break travel seasons, due to the unpaid status of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents.
In a social media post, Trump criticized Democrats for refusing to pass funding for ICE and end the shutdown, which has left TSA workers without pay. He accused the Democratic Party of harming the Department of Homeland Security and its officers, calling their actions an “absolute disgrace.” Trump emphasized that if the Democrats do not allow for proper security at airports, ICE would step in to handle the task more effectively than ever before.
“Likewise, I look forward to moving ICE in on Monday, and have already told them to, ‘GET READY.’ NO MORE WAITING, NO MORE GAMES!” he wrote.
Trump also made a specific reference to illegal immigrants from Somalia, claiming they have caused significant issues in Minnesota with the help of certain officials. He stated that under his administration, the border was closed, resulting in the strongest border in American history.
The potential deployment of ICE agents at airports raises legal and logistical concerns. KATU reported that there may be challenges in having immigration agents take on traditional airport screening roles. The Senate is expected to vote on a measure to reinstate funding for the TSA on Saturday. If no agreement is reached, Trump could proceed with deploying ICE nationwide.
Funding for the Department of Homeland Security expired on February 14 after the Senate failed to agree on a new budget. This agency oversees both the TSA and ICE. Meanwhile, ICE agents are still being paid, according to the American Prospect. Although department funding was cut, Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act allocated $175 billion to immigration and border patrol agencies.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called for the TSA to reopen as quickly as possible but expressed concerns about the terms Republicans are offering, which include funding the entire Homeland Security department. Democrats are seeking to fund the TSA while continuing negotiations on Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Impact on Airport Operations
Wait times to pass security have stretched to over two hours in some airports, leading to staffing shortages. TSA workers will continue to work without pay until the Senate agrees on terms for reopening the government. In response, former head of DOGE Elon Musk offered to pay the salaries of TSA workers during the funding impasse.
“I would like to offer to pay the salaries of TSA personnel during this funding impasse that is negatively affecting the lives of so many Americans at airports throughout the country,” Musk posted on X.
TSA officers make about $50,000 per year on average, according to The New York Times. Musk, the richest man in the world, is valued at $814.3 billion.
TSA’s acting deputy administrator warned that airports may have to shut down altogether if the chaos continues. Adam Stahl said, “It’s not hyperbole to suggest that we may have to quite literally shut down airports, particularly smaller ones, if call-out rates go up.”
A bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security failed to advance Friday in the Senate, making Stahl’s prediction more likely. “The reality of the situation is this is going to get worse before it gets better, if we don’t see any sort of action,” Stahl said.
About 50,000 TSA workers have been working without pay for over a month. Some can no longer afford to pay their rent, buy gas or food. At least 366 agents nationwide have quit their jobs, according to DHS.
At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the lines are so long that they have spilled beyond screening checkpoints and into the baggage claim area. Salt Lake City International Airport and Denver International Airport reported wait times of 30 minutes, while Dallas-Fort Worth saw delays of 24 minutes.
