ICE Agents Head to Airports Amid Travel Chaos

President Donald Trump announced that ICE agents will deploy to U.S. airports starting Monday as staffing shortages strain airport operations nationwide.

The move comes as more than 50,000 TSA officers continue working without pay during the ongoing Department of Homeland Security funding standoff in Congress. Hundreds of TSA agents have already quit, while others are calling out, leading to major staffing gaps.

Some airports are reporting significant disruptions, with long security lines and extended wait times. ICE agents are expected to assist with certain duties such as monitoring exits and checking IDs, but they will not replace TSA officers in specialized screening roles.

The administration says the deployment is intended to stabilize airport operations as pressure on the system continues to grow.