TSA Callouts Spike Amid Funding Standoff, ICE Agents Deployed to Airports

George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston experienced security delays reaching up to 270 minutes Tuesday as 42% of TSA officers failed to report for duty. Similar disruptions were reported nationwide, with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport urging travelers to arrive four hours early and JFK Airport citing delays close to an hour. The delays stem from an ongoing federal funding lapse that has left TSA workers unpaid since late January.

Massive Callouts Strain Operations

More than 400 TSA officers have reportedly quit, and national absentee rates have surged to nearly 12%, the highest since the funding crisis began. The staffing shortages have led to chaotic scenes at major airports, with security lines stretching through terminals and into underground tunnels. Desperate announcements warned passengers that even those with imminent departures might not make it through security in time.

Federal law enforcement is not uncommon at airports, but their presence in frontline security screening areas marks a significant shift.

ICE Agents Step In

In response, President Donald Trump has ordered Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to deploy to 14 major airports to help stabilize operations. Armed federal agents have been spotted at terminals in Atlanta, Houston, New York, and New Orleans. While federal law enforcement is not uncommon at airports, their presence in frontline security screening areas marks a significant shift, underscoring the strain on the system.

Negotiations Underway

Behind the scenes, lawmakers are working to break the deadlock. Negotiations in Washington have intensified, with senators crafting a deal to restore funding to most of the Department of Homeland Security. However, disagreements over immigration enforcement continue to stall a full resolution.

Some airports, like Houston’s Hobby Airport, have seen improvements, reducing wait times to under 10 minutes after earlier staffing shortages. However, the situation remains volatile at many major hubs as the funding crisis persists.