WireMarch 26, 2026 at 6:30 AM
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President Donald Trump has deployed between 100 and 150 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to major airports to address staffing shortages caused by the partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The move comes as Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents have quit or are unable to work, leading to extended security lines and heightened concerns over national security.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that ICE agents are assisting at airports to mitigate the chaos caused by the shutdown. While security wait times have decreased, Leavitt acknowledged that improvements are still needed. 'The president thinks this was a creative solution,' she stated, emphasizing the administration's focus on ensuring Americans can travel safely amid the crisis.
When asked about potential declines in deportations due to ICE's temporary airport assignment, Leavitt did not provide a definitive answer but highlighted the immediate priority of addressing airport security. Hundreds of TSA agents have resigned since the shutdown began, raising alarms about the nation's ability to enforce terror prevention measures effectively.
The president thinks this was a creative solution—Karoline Leavitt
Senate Democrats partially shut down DHS in February, demanding immigration reforms in exchange for full funding. Democratic Senator John Fetterman criticized his party for prolonging the shutdown, which has left TSA agents unpaid and exacerbated staffing shortages. Despite ICE's presence, passengers continue to report wait times of up to six hours at some airports, underscoring the ongoing challenges.