Trending Now - GOP Criticizes Dems Over DHS Dispute Amid Trump’s ICE Comments
WHO:
President Donald Trump
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy
Senator John Fetterman, D-Pa.
Senator James Lankford, R-Okla.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
WHAT:
Trump stated, "I will move our brilliant and patriotic ICE Agents to the Airports where they will do Security like no one has ever seen before," in a post on Truth Social on March 21st, 2026.
TSA personnel are set to miss a second full paycheck on March 27th, 2026, due to the ongoing partial government shutdown.
More than 400 TSA workers have quit since the partial shutdown began on February 14th, 2026, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Trump announced plans to deploy ICE agents to airports if Congress does not agree on a funding plan for DHS.
Trump stated, "ICE is ready to go on Monday," and promised to arrest "all Illegal Immigrants."
TSA callout rates exceeded 9% for six consecutive days, with a record absentee rate of 10.22% on March 16th, 2026.
More than 376 TSA employees have quit since the partial shutdown began on February 14th, 2026.
Over half of TSA workers called out at Houston’s William P. Hobby International Airport on March 20th, 2026.
TSA agents are working without pay during the ongoing partial government shutdown.
Fetterman called Elon Musk's offer to pay TSA salaries "incredibly generous."
WHERE:
Airports across the United States, including Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and William P. Hobby International Airport.
West Palm Beach, Florida (where Trump made his announcement).
WHEN:
The partial government shutdown began on February 14th, 2026.
Trump threatened to deploy ICE agents starting on March 23rd, 2026.
The shutdown entered its 36th day on March 21st, 2026.
WHY:
The ongoing partial government shutdown has led to significant staffing shortages at TSA, contributing to long security lines at airports.
The shutdown is a result of a stalemate between Republicans and Democrats over funding for DHS and immigration enforcement.
Democrats are demanding reforms to ICE before agreeing to funding.
HOW:
Trump announced his plans to deploy ICE agents to airports through social media, specifically on Truth Social.
Trump used social media to announce his plans regarding ICE deployment.
Senate Democrats attempted to pass a standalone funding bill for TSA, which was blocked by Senate Republicans.
(UPDATED March 22, 2026 13:17 UTC)
Today, President Trump announced on Truth Social that he plans to move ICE agents to airports to enhance security measures, stating they will provide a level of protection like never seen before. This announcement comes as TSA personnel are set to miss their second paycheck next week due to the ongoing partial government shutdown, which has already caused over 400 TSA workers to quit since mid-February. The shutdown has resulted in significant staffing shortages, leading to long security lines at airports across the country.
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(UPDATED March 22, 2026 05:24 UTC)
Today, President Trump announced plans to deploy ICE agents to airports starting tomorrow if Congress fails to reach an agreement on funding for the Department of Homeland Security. This announcement comes as TSA callout rates have exceeded 9% for six consecutive days, with over half of TSA workers calling out at Houston's William P. Hobby International Airport, leaving agents to work without pay during the ongoing partial government shutdown. The shutdown, which has now entered its 36th day, stems from a stalemate between Republicans and Democrats over funding and proposed reforms to ICE.