Immigration Enforcement — 2026-03-23
ICE Agents Deploy to 13+ Airports as TSA Officer Attrition Hits Crisis Levels; Call-Out Rate Reaches 11.76%
ICE agents began assisting TSA at airports as the DHS partial shutdown enters its sixth week. Over 400 TSA officers have quit since the shutdown began, with thousands more calling out because they cannot afford gas, childcare, or rent. Sunday's call-out rate hit 11.76% — the highest of the shutdown — with over 3,450 agents absent. ICE agents are guarding exit doors to free TSA staff for screening but are not trained or certified in aviation security. The deployment drew criticism from government unions and Democratic lawmakers.
Analysis
DHS shutdown duration has increased from 36 to 38 days since prior INTSUM. TSA call-out rate escalated from ~10% to 11.76%, with ICE airport deployment representing a new phase of the crisis. Prior digest tracked 72,000 ICE detainees and 400+ TSA resignations — both figures continue to climb.
DHS shutdown duration has increased from 36 to 38 days since prior INTSUM. TSA call-out rate escalated from ~10% to 11.76%, with ICE airport deployment representing a new phase of the crisis. Prior digest tracked 72,000 ICE detainees and 400+ TSA resignations — both figures continue to climb.
2 sources
- What Exactly Will ICE Do at Airports? -
TIME - Federal immigration agents seen at Atlanta airport after Trump order amid partial shutdown -
Associated Press (via Bangor Daily News)