WASHINGTON (AP) — In response to a budget impasse leading to lengthy security lines, President Donald Trump has ordered federal immigration agents to assist at U.S. airports. These officers may manage exit lanes or verify passenger IDs starting Monday, aimed at relieving the pressure on TSA personnel who are currently working without pay due to the government shutdown.
The president emphasized this action during a social media post, framing it as necessary to support the beleaguered Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Approximately 800,000 federal workers, including TSA agents, have been affected by the shutdown, prompting frustration among air travelers who endure wait times exceeding three hours.
Tom Homan, the White House border czar, reiterated in Sunday news shows that specific airport assignments for ICE agents will be finalized soon, stating, We’re going to be a force multiplier to streamline airport security. Suggestions include immigration officers monitoring exit points to free up TSA agents for screening duties. However, concerns regarding the appropriateness and training of such personnel remain, especially in light of tensions surrounding federal immigration practices.
An increased presence of ICE in airports has raised eyebrows among lawmakers, particularly Democrats, who question the transparency and impact of utilizing untrained personnel in sensitive airport environments. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized the deployment as potentially harmful, given historical concerns about ICE’s conduct in enforcement operations.
Overall, Trump's initiative at airports is seen both as a necessity in light of the ongoing shutdown and as a strategic maneuver to mitigate pressures on operational efficiency for travelers. The Senate is also set to reconvene to consider the nomination of Markwayne Mullin as the next DHS secretary, which could impact the future of airport security strategies amid bipartisan negotiations on federal funding.
