ICE Agents Deploy to US Airports Monday as DHS Shutdown Enters Sixth Week; TSA Staffing Crisis Deepens

President Trump ordered ICE agents to US airports starting March 23 to support TSA operations during the ongoing DHS partial shutdown. Over 366 TSA officers have resigned since losing pay on February 14, and unscheduled absences have more than doubled, creating hours-long security lines at major hubs including Atlanta and JFK. Border czar Tom Homan clarified that ICE agents will handle identification checks and exit-lane monitoring — not screening — while continuing immigration enforcement in terminals. The crisis stems from Congress's failure to renew DHS funding, with Democrats refusing to pass a full bill unless the administration agrees to ICE reforms following the fatal shooting of two US citizens during Minneapolis raids in January.