Homeland Security — 2026-03-26
ICE Agents Begin Conducting ID Checks at 15 US Airports as DHS Shutdown Hits Day 41
ICE agents deployed to at least 15 airports since March 23 have expanded beyond crowd control to conducting ID verification using TSA equipment, confirmed at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, LaGuardia, JFK, Phoenix Sky Harbor, and Chicago O'Hare. Acting TSA Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill testified to the House Homeland Security Committee that ICE officers received standard TSA training curriculum. More than 480 airport screeners have quit since the DHS funding lapse began February 14. DHS is set to lose $1 billion in missed paychecks by Friday. Philadelphia DA and San Diego city officials raised concerns about ICE overreach.
Analysis
ICE expanding from crowd control to ID verification represents mission creep that blurs the line between immigration enforcement and transportation security. The mixed messaging between Transportation Secretary Duffy and border czar Homan on X-ray machine operation suggests ad hoc policy rather than planned capability transfer.
ICE expanding from crowd control to ID verification represents mission creep that blurs the line between immigration enforcement and transportation security. The mixed messaging between Transportation Secretary Duffy and border czar Homan on X-ray machine operation suggests ad hoc policy rather than planned capability transfer.