America’s airports are experiencing significant operational disruptions, with travelers reporting extended security wait times at several major hubs. The situation stems from a lapse in annual appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees both the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Without a congressionally approved funding bill, TSA’s ability to maintain full staffing levels is compromised, as many employees are required to work without pay during a funding gap. Concurrently, the White House has deployed ICE personnel to assist at 13 airports, a move that has drawn scrutiny over the agency’s role and training for airport security functions.
Here’s a breakdown of the key factors and developments:
Why are security lines so long at airports?
The primary cause is a reduction in available TSA screening officers. During a lapse in DHS appropriations, agencies operate under a “continuing resolution” (CR) or, absent a CR, face a partial shutdown. Under such circumstances, except for employees deemed essential for safety and security (a category that includes most TSA officers), federal workers are furloughed or required to work without immediate pay. Historical data from previous funding lapses shows that TSA staffing levels can drop by 10-20% as some employees take leave or call in sick, unable to work without a guaranteed paycheck. This reduction in screening lanes directly increases passenger wait times, which can vary by airport and time of day but have been reported to exceed two hours in some locations during peak periods.
The current funding stalemate is tied to broader congressional negotiations over DHS policy provisions, specifically regarding restrictions on ICE enforcement operations. Democratic lawmakers have sought to include provisions requiring ICE agents to obtain judicial warrants for certain home entries and to limit the use of masks during operations. Republican leadership has opposed these conditions, leading to a delay in passing the full-year DHS appropriations bill.
Why has the administration deployed ICE to airports?
On February 22, President Trump announced via social media that ICE agents would be deployed to airports to assist TSA. A White House statement indicated the mission was to provide “security support” and relieve TSA officers for screening duties. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) primarily conducts civil immigration enforcement and investigations into cross-border crime, not passenger screening or checkpoint management, which are core TSA functions requiring specific Transportation Security Officer (TSO) training and certification.
Tom Homan, the administration’s border czar, stated on February 23 that ICE personnel would monitor exit lanes and perform “nonspecialized” tasks to free TSA officers for screening. However, the rapid deployment raised immediate questions about the scope of training provided for operating in a high-volume, civilian airport environment. TSA officers undergo 200+ hours of initial training in screening procedures, threat detection, and passenger interaction, whereas ICE agents’ training focuses on immigration law, investigations, and enforcement. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has previously noted in reports on airport security that duties like checkpoint management and passenger flow control are integral to the TSO role.
Which airports has ICE been deployed to?
Media reports, citing DHS officials, confirm ICE deployment to the following 13 airports as of February 24:
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
- Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
- Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
- New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
- New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
- Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
- Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport in Puerto Rico (SJU)
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
- Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
- Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)
- Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)
Will ICE be conducting immigration enforcement at airports?
