Trump Deploys Immigration Agents to Aid TSA Amid Growing Airport Delays

Sun Mar 22 2026 18:50:45 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The recent deployment of U.S. immigration agents to airports aims to alleviate long security lines as travelers express frustration over delays caused by a government shutdown. The move has sparked mixed reactions amid ongoing funding disputes.

In response to extended wait times at airports due to a partial government shutdown, President Trump ordered immigration agents to assist the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) with security operations. This plan to implement extra security measures has led to both support and criticism, highlighting concerns about the effectiveness and appropriateness of deploying untrained agents in airport settings. While some travelers face chaotic conditions at major airports, officials strive to balance security with efficiency.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal immigration agents newly ordered to U.S. airports by President Trump to help relieve security line congestion may guard exit lanes or check passenger IDs as a budget impasse has air travelers frustrated over hours-long waits and screeners angry about missed paychecks.

Trump made it clear on Sunday, a day after saying he would use immigration officers for airport security starting Monday unless Democrats agreed on a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security, that he was going ahead with the plan to assist the Transportation Security Administration.

Hundreds of thousands of homeland security workers, including from the TSA, U.S. Secret Service, and Coast Guard, have worked without pay since Congress failed to renew DHS funding last month. Democrats are demanding major changes in the conduct of federal immigration agents and showing no signs of backing down.

White House border czar Tom Homan has been meeting with a bipartisan group of senators over the partial shutdown and while he characterized those sessions as 'good conversations,' he noted that total agreement had yet to be reached.

The Senate was expected to advance the nomination of Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., to be Trump’s next homeland security secretary. A vote could come as early as late Monday.

Meanwhile, Homan indicated that discussions about the increased role of U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement at airports were ongoing with the leadership of TSA and ICE. Homan expressed the commitment to have a specific plan detailing what airports would be involved and where ICE agents would be sent by the end of the day.

The idea is to have immigration officers cover exits currently monitored by TSA agents, allowing them to focus on screening lanes. Homan mentioned that ICE agents already do some investigative work at airports and can support security operations without overstepping their training.

While Trump praised the upcoming deployment as a means to assist TSA officers during the shutdown, critics like House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries expressed concern over the suitability of untrained ICE officers operating in airport environments.

Travelers at major airports such as Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson and John F. Kennedy in New York expressed anxiety over long lines, with many feeling uncertain about their travel plans amid ongoing congestion. As officials work to address these issues, the pressure mounts to find a resolution to the funding standoff.

Overall, this move brings forth a mix of reactions, as government officials seek to enhance travel security while confronting the challenges presented by the current funding crisis.