Trump Proposes Using ICE Agents at Airports Amid DHS Shutdown

The plan to deploy ICE agents to assist with airport security has sparked debate and raised questions about the role of government agencies.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:13pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting with overlapping, fractured geometric shapes in shades of blue, gray, and orange, conceptually representing the complex and shifting nature of airport security during a government shutdown.The controversial plan to deploy ICE agents at airports during the DHS shutdown raises questions about the role of government agencies and the impact of political decisions on essential public services.Everett Today

In response to the ongoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown and its impact on airport security, the Trump administration has proposed a controversial solution: deploying U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to airports. This plan, which aims to free up Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents, has been met with criticism and skepticism from both Democrats and the TSA union.

Why it matters

The deployment of ICE agents to airports raises concerns about the use of 'untrained, armed agents' for airport security tasks, as well as broader questions about the role of government agencies and the impact of political decisions on essential public services. The stalemate over DHS funding has already left TSA agents without pay, leading to increased absenteeism and resignations.

The details

Under the proposed plan, ICE agents would cover entry and exit points at airports, allowing TSA officers to focus on passenger screening. However, the TSA union has expressed concerns about the use of 'untrained, armed agents' for these tasks. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has also criticized the move, arguing that ICE agents are not properly trained for airport security. The Democrats have demanded reforms to ICE, citing concerns over the use of force and the need for better identification and warrant procedures.

  • The partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security has been ongoing for over a month.
  • President Trump made the comments about deploying ICE agents to airports on the social media platform Truth Social.

The players

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who proposed the plan to use ICE agents at airports during the DHS shutdown.

Hakeem Jeffries

The House Minority Leader who has criticized the plan, arguing that ICE agents are 'untrained' for airport security tasks.

Everett Kelley

The president of the American Federation of Government Employees, who emphasizes that TSA workers believe in their mission of public safety and deserve to be paid, not replaced.

Tom Homan

The Border Czar who explained that ICE agents would cover entry and exit points, allowing TSA officers to focus on screening.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

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.