ICE Agents Deployed to Airports Amid Government Shutdown

Border czar Tom Homan provides updates on security measures during TSA staffing shortages.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 12:26am

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A serene, cinematic painting depicting a solitary TSA agent standing in an empty airport terminal, the space bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying the somber mood of the government shutdown's impact on airport security.The deployment of ICE agents to airports highlights the far-reaching consequences of the government shutdown on critical infrastructure and the daily lives of citizens.New Orleans Today

As the government shutdown continues, Border czar Tom Homan announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will be deployed to airports across the nation to assist with security operations. The staffing shortages at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) due to unpaid work have caused significant delays and disruptions to air travel. Homan stated that the number of ICE agents at each airport will be directly proportional to the number of TSA officers who return to work, with the goal of maintaining security standards and minimizing travel chaos.

Why it matters

The deployment of ICE agents to airports highlights the far-reaching impact of the government shutdown, which is affecting critical infrastructure and the daily lives of citizens. With TSA officers facing financial hardship, the administration is using available resources to prevent major disruptions to air travel security.

The details

Homan indicated that ICE agents will be assisting with various security tasks at airports, including identification checks and securing exit lanes, to ensure the safety of travelers. He expressed optimism that TSA officers would receive their paychecks by early next week, but acknowledged the uncertainty around how many will actually return to work. The administration is working closely with the TSA and ICE leadership to evaluate the specific needs of each airport and allocate resources accordingly.

  • The government shutdown has been ongoing, impacting various federal agencies including the TSA.
  • Homan provided the updates on the airport security situation on CBS News' Face the Nation on March 29, 2026.

The players

Tom Homan

The White House border czar who provided updates on the deployment of ICE agents to airports during the government shutdown.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

A federal law enforcement agency that will be providing additional security support at airports due to the TSA staffing shortages.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The federal agency responsible for airport security, which is facing staffing shortages due to the government shutdown and unpaid work.

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What they’re saying

“The number of ICE agents deployed at airports would be directly proportional to the number of TSA officers returning to work. The primary goal is to maintain security standards and minimize disruption to air travel during the shutdown.”

— Tom Homan, White House Border Czar

“I'm working closely with the TSA administrator and the ICE director to evaluate the specific needs of each airport and allocate resources accordingly.”

— Tom Homan, White House Border Czar

What’s next

Homan expressed optimism that TSA officers would receive their paychecks by either Monday or Tuesday, but acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the exact number of TSA agents who would return to work.

The takeaway

The deployment of ICE agents to airports underscores the broader implications of the government shutdown on critical infrastructure and the daily lives of citizens. The administration is using available resources to maintain security standards and minimize disruptions to air travel, but the long-term resolution to the political gridlock remains uncertain.