Trending Now - ICE to Assist TSA at Airports During DHS Shutdown

WHO:

President Trump

Tom Homan, White House border czar

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

Congressional Democrats

WHAT:

President Trump directed ICE agents to assist with airport security amid a partial government shutdown.

Trump stated that ICE agents would conduct security and arrest individuals in the U.S. illegally.

Tom Homan confirmed that ICE agents would be deployed to U.S. airports on March 23rd, 2026.

Homan mentioned that ICE agents would help alleviate long lines at airports caused by TSA staff shortages.

Lines at security checkpoints have increased due to several hundred resignations and sick calls among TSA employees.

WHERE:

U.S. airports

WHEN:

President Trump posted the directive on March 21st, 2026.

ICE agents are scheduled to be deployed on March 23rd, 2026.

WHY:

The directive was aimed at pressuring congressional Democrats to agree on a funding deal for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Congressional Democrats have declined to fully fund DHS unless certain immigration enforcement reforms are made.

HOW:

ICE agents may provide site security at airports, allowing TSA agents to focus on passenger screenings.

Homan indicated that ICE agents could check IDs at airports.

(UPDATED March 22, 2026 21:12 UTC)

President Trump has directed ICE agents to assist with airport security starting March 23, 2026, amid a partial government shutdown that has led to long lines at security checkpoints due to TSA staff shortages. Tom Homan, the White House border czar, confirmed that these agents will help alleviate the delays by checking IDs and providing site security, allowing TSA personnel to concentrate on passenger screenings. This move is seen as an effort to pressure congressional Democrats to agree on a funding deal for the Department of Homeland Security, which they have hesitated to fully fund without certain immigration enforcement reforms.