ICE Agents Deployed to U.S. Airports as TSA Workers Go Unpaid

Travelers call for TSA agents to be paid as government shutdown continues

Mar. 22, 2026 at 8:10pm

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The White House has ordered Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to be deployed to U.S. airports on Monday to help with security screenings as Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers continue to work without pay due to the ongoing government shutdown. Travelers have expressed frustration and called for the TSA agents to be paid, while political leaders have criticized the move to send ICE agents to airports.

Why it matters

The deployment of ICE agents to airports raises concerns about potential overreach and abuse of power, especially given the controversial history of ICE's enforcement tactics. It also highlights the broader impact of the government shutdown on federal workers and essential services like airport security.

The details

Roughly 50,000 TSA officers are considered essential workers and have continued to work without pay since the shutdown began on February 14. Hundreds of TSA agents have quit or called in sick, leading to longer wait times at airport security checkpoints. In response, the White House has ordered ICE agents to be deployed to airports to assist with security screenings, though the specific number of agents and timeline for deployment are still being determined.

  • The government shutdown began on February 14, 2026.
  • TSA officers have gone without paychecks since February 14, 2026.
  • ICE agents will be deployed to U.S. airports on Monday, March 25, 2026.

The players

Tom Homan

The White House 'border czar' who confirmed the deployment of ICE agents to U.S. airports.

Hakeem Jeffries

The Minority Leader who criticized the idea of deploying ICE agents to airports, calling it a potential threat to the American people.

Patrice Clark

A traveler who expressed frustration with the long security lines at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport due to the lack of paid TSA workers.

Aaron Barker

The president of the AFGE Local 554 in Georgia, who provided insight into the financial struggles of unpaid TSA officers.

Donald Trump

The former president who suggested that ICE agents would 'do security like no one has ever seen before' and immediately arrest all illegal immigrants at the airports.

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What they’re saying

“This is about helping TSA do their mission, and get the American public through that airport as quick as they can, while adhering to all the security guidelines and the protocols. We're simply there to help TSA do their job in areas that don't need their specialized expertise.”

— Tom Homan, White House 'border czar'

“The last thing the American people need is for untrained ICE agents to be deployed at airports across the country potentially to brutalize or to kill them.”

— Hakeem Jeffries, Minority Leader

“Everybody has got bills they have to pay, and it's horrible. Times are hard for everybody at this point. Working and not getting paid and gas prices are extremely high — like everybody needs their money. They need to pay them.”

— Patrice Clark, Traveler

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The deployment of ICE agents to airports during the government shutdown highlights the broader impact on federal workers and essential services, as well as concerns about potential overreach and abuse of power by law enforcement agencies. Resolving the shutdown and ensuring TSA workers are paid is crucial for maintaining airport security and public trust.