After announcing his intentions to send US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to airports to help alleviate long wait times and travel chaos, President Donald Trump’s plan went into effect on Monday.
ICE agents were spotted at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, and George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston on Monday.
They were deployed to airports to support Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers who have been working without pay since mid-February due to a partial government shutdown.
After some creative suggestions to help out travelers and workers — including an offer from Elon Musk to personally pay TSA salaries and donations of food and basic necessities from casinos in Las Vegas — the latest idea came from President Trump, who announced intentions to send ICE agents to airports on Sunday.
“There are roles we can play to release TSA officers from the non-significant roles,” said White House border czar Tom Homan. “We’re just simply helping our fellow officers at TSA.”
Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, the largest federal government workers union, released a statement condemning the move.
“ICE agents are not trained or certified in aviation security. TSA officers spend months learning to detect explosives, weapons, and threats specifically designed to evade detection at checkpoints — skills that require specialized instruction, hands-on practice, and ongoing recertification,” he said.
Nevertheless, ICE agents have been deployed to at least four airports, and are expected at nine more across the country, per CNN.
ICE did not immediately respond to Business Insider’s request for comment.
Here’s what it looks like to have ICE at the airport.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were seen at US airports on Monday.
Since mid-February, airports nationwide have experienced “longer than normal” TSA wait times.
TSA agents have been working without pay since the partial government shutdown started on February 14.
Having secured funding separately from other DHS agencies, ICE has been continuously paid.
On Sunday, the Trump administration announced that ICE agents would be deployed to airports.
ICE agents are supporting TSA operations by assisting with non-screening duties.
Agents were seen directing passengers and helping manage lines near security checkpoints on Monday.
Some agents have been deployed to manage foot traffic during peak travel times.
Tom Homan, Trump’s border czar, said ICE agents could “guard exit doors” at airports.
Officials described the ICE deployment as a “temporary measure” to address staffing gaps.
Agents from multiple ICE divisions, such as Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), have been seen at airports.
The deployment spans major travel hubs including New York, Atlanta, Houston, and Chicago.
ICE agents are not trained to conduct screenings, raising questions about the extent of their role.
Some travelers have reported confusion and concern about the deployment of ICE agents.
Others have questioned whether the deployment will meaningfully reduce wait times.
A TSA union called the move “misguided,” saying it fails to address the root problem of staffing shortages.
For now, travelers are being told to plan for delays as TSA staffing shortages continue.
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