Trump Deploys ICE Agents to Airports Amid Shutdown Chaos

New Jersey Governor condemns the move, citing concerns over security and tensions with travelers

Mar. 23, 2026 at 10:48am

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President Trump has ordered federal immigration agents to assist the Transportation Security Administration at U.S. airports during the ongoing government shutdown, raising concerns from New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill over potential security risks and escalating tensions among frustrated air travelers facing hours-long wait times.

Why it matters

The deployment of ICE agents to airports is a controversial move that could further inflame political tensions around immigration enforcement, especially in liberal-leaning states like New Jersey. It also comes at a time when the partial government shutdown has already strained airport security operations, with TSA agents calling out sick due to missed paychecks and leading to growing wait times for travelers.

The details

Trump announced on Sunday that he would be sending ICE agents to U.S. airports starting Monday to help the TSA with security duties like guarding exit lanes and checking passenger IDs. This decision is part of the ongoing standoff between the president and Democrats over funding for the Department of Homeland Security, with Trump threatening to reject any deal unless Democrats agree to a separate elections bill. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey did not confirm whether ICE agents would be deployed to Newark Liberty International Airport, but Governor Sherrill condemned the plan, saying 'Trump's ICE has a track record of making communities less safe, and sending untrained ICE agents to staff our airports is not an acceptable solution.'

  • On Sunday, President Trump announced he would be sending ICE agents to U.S. airports starting Monday.
  • The partial government shutdown has been ongoing for 43 days as of the time of this story.

The players

President Donald Trump

The President of the United States who ordered the deployment of ICE agents to U.S. airports during the government shutdown.

Governor Mikie Sherrill

The Governor of New Jersey who condemned Trump's plan to send ICE agents to airports, citing concerns over security and community safety.

Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

The agency that manages Newark Liberty International Airport, which did not confirm whether ICE agents would be assisting TSA agents there.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The federal agency responsible for airport security that has been impacted by the government shutdown, with many agents calling out sick due to missed paychecks.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal immigration enforcement agency that Trump is deploying to assist the TSA at U.S. airports during the shutdown.

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What they’re saying

“Every time Donald Trump gets involved, he creates chaos for the American people. Trump's ICE has a track record of making communities less safe, and sending untrained ICE agents to staff our airports is not an acceptable solution.”

— Governor Mikie Sherrill

What’s next

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said any ICE agents assisting the TSA would need to be properly trained 'consistent with maintaining the safety, integrity, and efficiency of the security process at our airports and protecting the flying public.' It remains to be seen how the deployment of ICE agents to airports will impact security operations and traveler experiences during the ongoing government shutdown.

The takeaway

Trump's decision to send ICE agents to U.S. airports during the government shutdown has raised significant concerns from state and local officials like Governor Sherrill, who worry it could escalate tensions, undermine security, and further disrupt travel for frustrated air passengers. This move is the latest flashpoint in the broader political battle over immigration enforcement and border security.