President Donald Trump has deployed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to 14 airports across the United States, sparking significant controversy. The decision, announced over the weekend, comes amid a partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which has left Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers unpaid.
The deployment aims to assist TSA agents, who have faced increasing absences and resignations due to the shutdown. More than 400 TSA officers have quit, and thousands have called out from work. ICE agents are expected to help manage crowds and provide a visible security presence, although they lack the specialized training required for TSA screening duties.
The decision has drawn criticism from various quarters. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and the ACLU have condemned the move, citing concerns over ICE agents' lack of training in aviation security and the potential for racial profiling. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries expressed fears that ICE agents could "brutalize or in some instances kill" travelers.
Despite the backlash, the Trump administration maintains that the deployment is necessary to alleviate long wait times at airports. White House border czar Tom Homan stated that ICE agents would focus on non-specialized tasks, allowing TSA agents to concentrate on their core duties.
The ICE deployment is part of a broader political standoff over DHS funding. President Trump has tied the resolution of the shutdown to the passage of the "SAVE America Act," a federal elections overhaul bill. The bill faces significant opposition in the Senate, and negotiations remain stalled.
As the shutdown continues, travelers face increasing delays and disruptions at airports nationwide.