Travelers Express Concerns Over Potential Use of ICE Agents at Airports

President Trump suggests deploying ICE agents to assist TSA during government shutdown

Mar. 22, 2026 at 3:12am

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As the partial government shutdown continues, President Donald Trump has suggested using Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to assist Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at airports. Travelers at Philadelphia International Airport expressed mixed reactions, with some questioning whether ICE agents would be equipped to handle airport security roles, while others supported the idea as a way to improve safety. The proposal has raised concerns about the potential impact on the traveling experience and the broader implications of ICE agents being involved in airport operations.

Why it matters

The potential use of ICE agents at airports is a politically charged issue that touches on broader debates around immigration enforcement, airport security, and the roles of different government agencies. The proposal has the potential to further strain relations between the Trump administration and critics of its immigration policies, while also raising practical questions about the logistics and effectiveness of such an approach.

The details

President Trump suggested deploying ICE agents to airports if Congress does not immediately pass a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees both TSA and ICE. At Philadelphia International Airport, some travelers expressed concerns about whether ICE agents would be properly trained and equipped to handle airport security roles, while others supported the idea as a way to improve safety. The proposal has raised questions about the potential impact on the traveling experience, with some travelers worried it could create a 'stressful' environment.

  • On March 22, 2026, President Trump made the suggestion to use ICE agents at airports during the ongoing partial government shutdown.

The players

President Donald Trump

The President of the United States who suggested using ICE agents to assist TSA officers at airports during the government shutdown.

Savannah Sorowice

A traveler at Philadelphia International Airport who expressed concerns about having ICE agents handle airport security roles.

Lamar Weaver

A traveler at Philadelphia International Airport who raised concerns about whether ICE agents would have the proper training and 'emotional intelligence' to handle airport security effectively.

DeMarcus Davis

A traveler at Philadelphia International Airport who supported the idea of using ICE agents to assist with airport security, saying 'any help is better than no help.'

Cinderella Rivenburg

A traveler at Philadelphia International Airport who expressed concerns about the 'frightening' news she has heard about ICE and the potential for a 'stressful' traveling environment.

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What they’re saying

“I think having ICE agents wouldn't be appropriate.”

— Savannah Sorowice

“Are they going to handle it the way it's supposed to be handled? Do they have the emotional intelligence to do it the way it's supposed to be done?”

— Lamar Weaver

“If it's making America safe, why not? Any help is better than no help.”

— DeMarcus Davis

“It is a bit scary because a lot of the news that we hear about ICE is very frightening.”

— Cinderella Rivenburg

“Ice agents here would cause a very stressful traveling environment that wouldn't lead to better lines, smoother efficiency.”

— Dan Levine

What’s next

The Trump administration has not yet provided details on how ICE agents would be deployed at airports or what specific roles they would take on. It remains to be seen whether the proposal will be implemented, and how it would impact airport operations and the traveling experience.

The takeaway

The potential use of ICE agents at airports is a politically divisive issue that highlights the broader tensions around immigration enforcement and the roles of different government agencies in airport security. While some travelers support the idea as a way to improve safety, others are concerned about the potential impact on the traveling experience and the broader implications of ICE agents being involved in airport operations.