ICE Deploys Personnel to Baltimore Airport

Additional DHS staff brought in to assist TSA with security checkpoints amid long lines

Mar. 29, 2026 at 2:11am

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Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel are being deployed to Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI-Marshall) on Saturday afternoon, according to the Maryland Aviation Administration. The additional Department of Homeland Security staff, including from Enforcement Removal Operations (ERO) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), will work to assist the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) with security checkpoints as travelers face lengthy wait times at the airport.

Why it matters

The deployment of ICE personnel to the airport is an unusual move, as the agency's primary focus is typically on immigration enforcement rather than airport security operations. This reflects the challenges airports are facing with staffing shortages and increased passenger volumes, requiring additional federal resources to keep security lines moving.

The details

MAA stated that ICE informed them the personnel will be working to support TSA security checkpoints at BWI-Marshall, similar to recent deployments at other airports across the country. The ICE staff will provide operational support to speed up the clearance process for passengers, while the TSA will maintain primary responsibility for passenger and baggage screening. MAA has been assured that ICE's focus during this deployment will be on security operations, not immigration enforcement.

  • ICE personnel are being deployed to BWI-Marshall on Saturday afternoon, March 29, 2026.

The players

Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA)

The state agency that operates Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI-Marshall).

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The federal agency responsible for passenger and baggage screening at U.S. airports.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency that investigates and enforces immigration laws.

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What they’re saying

“'We thank our passengers for their patience as we work with stakeholders to support safe, efficient travel. We're grateful to our TSA agents, BWI personnel, concessions employees, and other workers who are keeping BWI operational during this challenging time.'”

— Shannetta Griffin, Executive Director and CEO, Maryland Aviation Administration

What’s next

MAA has advised travelers to arrive at BWI-Marshall at least 4 hours before their scheduled flight departure to account for the long security lines and additional ICE personnel presence.

The takeaway

The deployment of ICE personnel to assist with airport security operations is an unusual step, reflecting the staffing challenges and increased passenger volumes that airports are facing. While the focus is on security rather than immigration enforcement, the move highlights the broader strain on the U.S. transportation system and the need for coordinated efforts between federal agencies to maintain efficient and safe travel.