Trump Threatens to Deploy ICE Agents to Airports Amid Shutdown

President says he'll order immigration officers to help with airport security unless Democrats end government shutdown

Mar. 21, 2026 at 7:52pm

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President Donald Trump has threatened to order federal immigration officers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to take on roles in airport security starting on Monday, unless Democrats agree to a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security. Trump made the announcement as a partial government shutdown contributes to long lines at security checkpoints in some of the nation's largest airports.

Why it matters

This move appears to be an effort by the Trump administration to expand immigration enforcement into new areas, potentially creating tensions with Democrats who have pushed back against the administration's crackdown on illegal immigration. It also raises questions about how ICE agents would coordinate with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and what impact their involvement could have on airport operations.

The details

In a series of social media posts, Trump threatened to 'order ICE to do the job' at airports if Democrats do not agree to fund the Department of Homeland Security. The president suggested ICE agents would focus on arresting immigrants from Somalia who are in the U.S. illegally. Trump also repeated his criticism of Somali immigrants, saying they 'totally destroyed' Minnesota. However, Trump did not provide specifics on how ICE would be deployed or what their exact role would be in airport security.

  • Trump made the announcement on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
  • The president said he would order ICE agents to airports starting on Monday, March 23, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who threatened to deploy ICE agents to airports if Democrats do not agree to fund the Department of Homeland Security.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency that Trump said he would order to take on roles in airport security.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The Cabinet department that is currently facing a partial government shutdown, which Trump says he will resolve by sending in ICE agents to airports.

Chuck Schumer

The Senate Democratic leader who has been involved in recent negotiations with the White House to end the government shutdown.

John Thune

The Republican Senate Majority Whip who has urged the bipartisan group negotiating the shutdown to act quickly before the situation at airports worsens.

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What they’re saying

“If the Democrats do not allow for Just and Proper Security at our Airports, and elsewhere throughout our Country, ICE will do the job far better than ever done before.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.