Fetterman Praises ICE Officers' Airport Performance Amid DHS Shutdown

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Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) said the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers at U.S. airports has 'enhanced' airport operations as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown causes massive problems at America's airports. Trump deployed ICE officers to over a dozen airports as Transportation Security Administration (TSA) shortages have contributed to security checkpoint closures, long lines and flight delays and cancellations.

Why it matters

The ongoing DHS shutdown has created chaos at U.S. airports, with TSA staffing shortages leading to security checkpoint closures, long lines, and flight delays and cancellations. Fetterman's comments about ICE's performance at airports during this crisis highlight the political tensions around immigration enforcement and the Trump administration's use of ICE to address the shutdown's impacts.

The details

Fetterman told independent journalist Nicholas Ballasy that ICE's presence 'seems to have enhanced some kinds of performance across there.' Trump has deployed ICE officers to over a dozen airports to assist with operations as the DHS shutdown continues. Most DHS employees have continued to work without pay, though an increasing number are calling out sick. Fetterman emphasized the upcoming FIFA World Cup, with millions of international travelers expected, and said he 'can't even imagine' the chaos at airports if the shutdown persists.

• The DHS shutdown has been ongoing for 77 days as of Fetterman's comments.
• The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to bring millions of international travelers to the U.S. in the coming months.

What’s next

The Senate early Friday approved a measure to fund all of the DHS with the exception of ICE and U.S. Border Patrol, but House Republicans rejected the bill and held a late-night vote Friday night on a stopgap DHS funding bill that includes ICE, ensuring Democratic opposition.