Atlanta Considers Private Airport Security Amid ICE Presence

As TSA staffing issues persist, city leaders explore alternatives to federal oversight.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:18pm

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A serene, photorealistic painting of an empty airport security checkpoint, with warm sunlight streaming in through large windows and deep shadows cast across the floor and walls, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation about the challenges facing airport operations.As political disputes continue to disrupt airport security, Atlanta considers taking control of its own operations through a private security force.Atlanta Today

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents remain stationed at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world's busiest, even as they wrap up operations at other U.S. airports. With ongoing staffing shortages at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) causing long security lines, Atlanta officials are now discussing the possibility of creating a private airport security force to replace the federal TSA agents.

Why it matters

The continued presence of ICE agents at the Atlanta airport highlights the broader challenges facing the nation's air travel infrastructure. As political disputes disrupt federal agencies like the TSA, local governments are exploring ways to maintain airport operations and passenger flow independently of Washington.

The details

ICE agents were initially deployed to 14 U.S. airports last month to assist with security lines caused by unpaid TSA workers calling out. While the agents have left some airports, they remain in Atlanta, where officials are now considering creating a private security force to replace the federal TSA. The goal would be to insulate the airport from future government shutdowns or political disputes that impact TSA staffing and operations.

  • ICE agents were first deployed to 14 U.S. airports last month.
  • As of this week, ICE agents have left airports in Phoenix, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh, with more expected to follow.
  • Atlanta City Council member Byron Amos says the city is currently discussing the possibility of creating its own private airport security force.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who ordered the deployment of ICE agents to U.S. airports last month.

Byron Amos

An Atlanta City Council member who says the city is discussing creating a private airport security force to replace the federal TSA.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

The world's busiest airport, located in Atlanta, Georgia.

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What they’re saying

“The benefit would definitely be the lack of long lines. Whenever the government decides to not pay our TSA agents, normally they don't come to work. They don't perform the duties they're hired to do.”

— Byron Amos, Atlanta City Council member

What’s next

Atlanta officials plan to continue discussing the possibility of creating a private airport security force in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The ongoing staffing issues at the TSA and the continued presence of ICE agents at the Atlanta airport highlight the need for more resilient and reliable airport security infrastructure that is not subject to the whims of federal political disputes.