Norfolk Airport Says No Plans for ICE Deployment Amid TSA Staffing Shortage

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Norfolk International Airport has reported that it has not been advised of any plans to send Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to the airport to assist Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents, despite President Trump's announcement that he would deploy ICE to help at airports experiencing long lines due to a partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security.

Why it matters

The partial government shutdown has led to a shortage of TSA agents at airports across the country, causing long lines and delays for travelers. The potential deployment of ICE agents to assist TSA has raised concerns about the role of immigration enforcement at airports, which are typically focused on security screening rather than immigration status.

The details

According to a Norfolk International Airport spokesman, the airport has not been advised of any federal plans to deploy ICE agents on site. The spokesman pointed to reported remarks by White House Border Czar Tom Homan, who said the focus would be on airports that have experienced checkpoint waits of three hours or more.

• On Saturday, President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he would deploy ICE agents to airports to support TSA, who have missed a paycheck due to the partial government shutdown.

What they’re saying