The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is grappling with a surge in absences as the government shutdown enters its 38th day, raising concerns about airport security and travel delays across the country. More than 3,200 TSA workers called out sick on Monday, and over 450 officers have quit their jobs nationwide, according to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials.
Houston, Atlanta, and New Orleans airports have been hit hardest, topping the list of major hubs with the highest callout rates. Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis attributed the absences to financial hardships faced by workers, stating,
American travelers are facing hours-long waits at airports across the country and more than 450 TSA officers quit and thousands have called out sick from work because they are not able to afford gas, childcare, food, or rent.
ICE Agents Deployed to Alleviate Delays
In response to the crisis, President Trump has deployed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to assist at some of the most affected airports. This move has reportedly helped reduce security delays, which peaked at nine hours in Atlanta over the weekend. Bis emphasized the administration's commitment to minimizing disruptions, stating,
President Trump is taking action to deploy hundreds of ICE officers, that are currently funded by Congress, to airports being adversely impacted.
While Tuesday's lighter travel volume has eased some of the strain, critics warn that the issue could re-emerge during peak travel periods. Sunday saw the highest nationwide callout rate of the shutdown at 11.6%, according to DHS data.
The ongoing shutdown, now the second of the fiscal year, has left TSA workers unpaid and struggling to meet basic needs. Negotiations on Capitol Hill continue as lawmakers weigh potential funding solutions for DHS, though ICE funding remains a contentious issue.