ICE Agents Deployed to Airports as Shutdown Drags On

TSA workers frustrated by ICE agents' lack of training and inability to help speed up security lines

Mar. 27, 2026 at 3:18pm

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As the partial government shutdown drags on, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents are calling in sick or leaving work en masse, leading to travel chaos at airports across the U.S. In response, the Trump administration has deployed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to at least 14 airports to try to speed up security lines. However, airport employees say the ICE agents lack the proper certification and training to perform many of the tasks that could actually help, and they are frustrated by the agents' apparent inaction.

Why it matters

The deployment of ICE agents to airports highlights the growing tensions between federal agencies and the impact of the ongoing government shutdown on public services. It also raises concerns about the potential long-term plans to replace TSA workers with other federal agents or private sector employees, which could have significant implications for airport security and the livelihoods of TSA workers.

The details

ICE agents have been spotted walking in packs, patrolling security lines and baggage areas, giving directions to lost passengers, and distributing water bottles, but airport employees say the agents are "doing literally nothing to help." The TSA employees are frustrated that the ICE agents lack the proper training and certification to perform many of the tasks that could speed up security lines, such as checking passenger IDs and boarding passes. Security officers are also concerned about their coworkers who haven't received a steady paycheck for half of the fiscal year due to the shutdown, with some relying on food banks and donation drives to make ends meet.

  • On Thursday, hours-long security lines were reported at New York City's LaGuardia Airport and George Bush International Airport in Houston.
  • On Monday, ICE agents were deployed to at least 14 airports.
  • On Wednesday, some passengers spotted ICE agents being trained to check passenger IDs and boarding passes.
  • On Tuesday, 11% of airport checkpoint employees called out, compared to 4% pre-shutdown.

The players

Hydrick Thomas

A security officer and the president of AFGE Local 2222, which covers New York and New Jersey airports.

Carlos Rodriguez

A security officer and a AFGE TSA Council 100 vice president representing airports Northeastern airports from New Jersey to Vermont.

Ha Nguyen McNeill

The acting head of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

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What they’re saying

“ICE are here and they're doing literally nothing to help,”

— Airline worker

“If you want to bring a tactical force into an environment where it's required to have customer service and a mindset where you know what you're doing, how to identify something that might be suspicious—they don't have that training,”

— Hydrick Thomas, Security officer and president of AFGE Local 2222

“A part of the American dream that I was sold was that working for the government was honorable and stable. But this is not honorable or stable at this moment.”

— Carlos Rodriguez, Security officer and AFGE TSA Council 100 vice president

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

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.