ICE Agents Deployed to Airports Amid TSA Pay Dispute

Critics say ICE agents lack proper training to assist overwhelmed TSA staff.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 10:03am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In response to ongoing pay disputes with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents, the Trump administration has ordered Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to assist at airports across the country. However, many are criticizing the move, arguing that ICE agents are not qualified to handle security matters and are simply standing around while TSA staff struggle with long lines and unpaid work.

Why it matters

The deployment of ICE agents to airports highlights the political tensions surrounding the TSA pay dispute, as well as broader concerns about the Trump administration's approach to immigration enforcement. Critics argue the move is a distraction that does little to actually resolve the underlying issues facing TSA workers.

The details

For weeks, TSA agents have been working without pay due to the ongoing government shutdown. In an effort to address the staffing shortages, President Trump has ordered ICE agents to assist at airport security checkpoints. However, ICE agents are not trained in the specialized security procedures required of TSA staff, leading to concerns that their presence is more symbolic than practical.

  • TSA agents have been working without pay for weeks due to the government shutdown.
  • President Trump ordered ICE agents to assist at airports on March 25, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who ordered ICE agents to assist at airports.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The federal agency responsible for airport security, whose agents have been working without pay during the government shutdown.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency tasked with immigration enforcement, whose agents have been deployed to assist at airports despite lacking the proper training and qualifications.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The ICE agents are not qualified to help the TSA agents with security matters and so we see them standing around while flyers stand in hours-long lines to pass through security.”

— John Karkheck, Glendale Resident

What’s next

Congress is expected to continue negotiations to resolve the TSA pay dispute and end the government shutdown, which has left many federal workers, including TSA agents, without pay.

The takeaway

The deployment of untrained ICE agents to airports highlights the political dysfunction surrounding the TSA pay dispute and the Trump administration's questionable approach to addressing staffing shortages at security checkpoints.