ICE Agents Arrive at Pittsburgh International Airport

Federal immigration agents sent to assist TSA during government shutdown

Mar. 24, 2026 at 1:20pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have arrived at Pittsburgh International Airport, among other airports across the country, to help Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents who have been working without pay during the partial government shutdown. The move comes after President Trump announced on social media that ICE would be deployed to assist TSA staff, many of whom have been calling out sick or quitting their jobs as the shutdown continues.

Why it matters

The deployment of ICE agents to airports raises concerns about the potential for increased immigration enforcement and the blurring of the lines between different federal agencies, especially in sensitive transportation hubs. It also highlights the broader impacts of the ongoing government shutdown on federal workers and services.

The details

According to reports, 14 ICE agents arrived at Pittsburgh International Airport on Thursday to begin training and assisting TSA agents. The move is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to send ICE personnel to airports across the country to help TSA, which has been grappling with staff shortages as workers call out sick or resign due to the lack of pay during the shutdown.

  • On March 23, 2026, President Trump announced on social media that ICE would be sent to help TSA agents.
  • On March 24, 2026, 14 ICE agents arrived at Pittsburgh International Airport.

The players

President Trump

The President of the United States who announced the deployment of ICE agents to assist TSA during the government shutdown.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws in the United States, which is now being deployed to assist TSA at airports.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The federal agency responsible for security at U.S. airports, which has been facing staffing shortages due to the government shutdown.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must ensure the safety and security of our airports during this challenging time. The deployment of ICE agents will help TSA maintain operations and protect the traveling public.”

— President Trump

What’s next

The deployment of ICE agents to airports is expected to continue as long as the government shutdown persists, with the potential for additional agents to be sent to other airports across the country.

The takeaway

The arrival of ICE agents at Pittsburgh International Airport and other airports highlights the broader impacts of the government shutdown on federal services and the potential for increased immigration enforcement in sensitive transportation hubs, raising concerns about the blurring of the lines between different federal agencies.