NYC Airports Plagued by Massive Lines and Long Waits Amid Shutdown Turmoil

President Trump plans to send ICE agents to major airports to help ease the backlog of travelers.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 9:24pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The ongoing funding crisis for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has led to chaos at major New York airports, with frustrated air travelers facing wait times of up to three hours just to check in for their flights. The holdup is a result of a political feud between the GOP and Democrats over funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which includes the TSA. President Trump has announced plans to send ICE agents to major airports starting on Monday in an effort to ease the backlog of travelers.

Why it matters

The airport chaos caused by the TSA funding crisis is impacting travelers nationwide, as spring break travelers struggle to get home amid the long lines and delays. The political standoff in Washington has real-world consequences for everyday Americans, highlighting the impact of government dysfunction on the public.

The details

With many TSA agents missing their first paycheck last week, some are staying home or quitting their jobs, leading to the massive lines and delays at airports. The holdup is a result of a feud between the GOP and Democrats, who want to tie funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which includes the TSA, to more oversight of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

  • The TSA funding crisis has been ongoing for several weeks.
  • President Trump announced he will send ICE agents to major airports starting on Monday, March 25, 2026.

The players

President Trump

The President of the United States who announced plans to send ICE agents to major airports to help ease the backlog of travelers.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The federal agency responsible for airport security that is facing a funding crisis, leading to long lines and delays at major airports.

Department of Homeland Security

The federal department that oversees the TSA and is at the center of the political feud over funding.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that President Trump plans to send to major airports to help ease the backlog of travelers.

GOP

The Republican Party, which is involved in the political feud over funding for the Department of Homeland Security.

Democrats

The Democratic Party, which is involved in the political feud over funding for the Department of Homeland Security.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

President Trump plans to send ICE agents to major airports starting on Monday, March 25, 2026, in an effort to ease the backlog of travelers.

The takeaway

The TSA funding crisis and resulting airport chaos underscores the need for bipartisan cooperation in Washington to address pressing issues that directly impact the lives of everyday Americans. The political feud over homeland security funding has real-world consequences that go beyond the Beltway.