ICE Agents Deployed to New York Airports, Raising Concerns

Lawmakers warn of potential violence and lack of specialized training

Mar. 24, 2026 at 10:18am

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The Trump administration has deployed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to New York airports, raising concerns among lawmakers about potential violence and the agents' lack of specialized training for airport operations. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries warned that the move could lead to ICE "brutalize[ing] or, in some instances, kill[ing]" travelers, citing the agency's history of violent incidents.

Why it matters

The deployment of ICE agents to airports is a controversial move that could escalate tensions and put travelers at risk, especially undocumented immigrants who may be targeted. It also raises questions about the appropriate role of immigration enforcement at transportation hubs and whether ICE agents have the proper training and oversight to operate in those sensitive environments.

The details

President Trump announced that he would be sending ICE agents to help Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers who have been calling in sick or quitting their jobs during the partial government shutdown. The president said the agents would also be tasked with arresting anyone who has entered the country illegally. Jeffries criticized the decision, calling ICE "out of control" and warning that the agents lack the specialized training required for airport operations.

  • On March 24, 2026, President Trump announced the deployment of ICE agents to New York airports.
  • ICE agents are scheduled to arrive at the nation's airports on Monday.

The players

Hakeem Jeffries

The House Minority Leader from New York who appeared on CNN to criticize the administration's decision to send ICE agents to airports, warning that it could lead to violence and deaths.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who announced the deployment of ICE agents to help TSA workers and arrest undocumented immigrants at airports.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency that has been tasked with deploying agents to New York airports, despite concerns about their lack of specialized training and history of violent incidents.

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What they’re saying

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

— Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader

What’s next

The deployment of ICE agents to New York airports is expected to begin on Monday, and it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and whether any incidents of violence or mistreatment occur.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and concerns surrounding the role of immigration enforcement in sensitive public spaces like airports, and the need for proper training, oversight, and accountability to ensure the safety and rights of all travelers are protected.