ICE Agents Deployed to 14 U.S. Airports to Aid Understaffed TSA

Deployment draws criticism, protests in Atlanta, and uncertainty over duration

Mar. 24, 2026 at 6:05am

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Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have been deployed to 14 U.S. airports to assist the understaffed Transportation Security Administration (TSA) during the ongoing partial government shutdown. This move has drawn criticism from civil liberties groups and sparked protests in Atlanta, with questions remaining about how long the ICE presence at airports will continue.

Why it matters

The deployment of ICE agents to airports raises concerns about the blurring of lines between immigration enforcement and airport security, potentially making some travelers feel less safe or unwelcome. It also highlights the broader impacts of the government shutdown on federal agencies and public services.

The details

ICE agents have been sent to 14 major U.S. airports, including Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, to help TSA agents who have been calling in sick in higher numbers amid the government shutdown and lack of paychecks. This has led to longer security lines and travel delays at some airports. The move has drawn criticism from civil liberties groups who argue it is an inappropriate use of immigration enforcement resources and could intimidate travelers.

  • The partial government shutdown began on December 22, 2018.
  • ICE agents were first deployed to airports on March 19, 2026.

The players

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The federal agency responsible for airport security screening in the United States.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency that investigates and enforces immigration laws in the United States.

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What they’re saying

“We must not allow immigration enforcement to be conflated with airport security. This is an inappropriate use of ICE resources and will only serve to intimidate travelers.”

— Vanita Gupta, President and CEO, Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights

What’s next

It remains unclear how long ICE agents will remain deployed at U.S. airports to assist the TSA. The partial government shutdown is still ongoing, with no clear end in sight.

The takeaway

The deployment of ICE agents to U.S. airports during the government shutdown highlights the broader impacts on federal agencies and public services, as well as the potential civil liberties concerns when immigration enforcement is seen as conflated with airport security.