Immigration Enforcement — 2026-03-22
ICE Agents Deploy to US Airports Monday as DHS Shutdown Enters Sixth Week; TSA Officers Quitting En Masse
Border czar Tom Homan confirmed ICE agents will deploy to US airports on Monday to assist with security screening as the DHS shutdown enters its sixth week. Over 366 TSA officers have quit since February 14, with callout rates reaching 55% at Houston Hobby and 38% at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson. Wait times exceed 2 hours at major hubs. The American Federation of Government Employees warned ICE agents lack TSA-specific training in explosive and weapons detection. Elon Musk offered to cover TSA agents' pay. Democrats continue to withhold funding over demands for immigration enforcement guardrails following fatal shootings of two US citizens by federal agents in Minneapolis.
Analysis
The 1315 digest tracked the DHS shutdown at 36 days with TSA attrition accelerating. ICE airport deployment represents the administration's first attempt to use immigration enforcement resources as substitute federal workforce, a precedent with no clear legal authority.
The 1315 digest tracked the DHS shutdown at 36 days with TSA attrition accelerating. ICE airport deployment represents the administration's first attempt to use immigration enforcement resources as substitute federal workforce, a precedent with no clear legal authority.