Trending Now - ICE Agents Begin ID Checks at NYC Airports, Causing Delays

WHO:

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) personnel

Tom Homan, referred to as "border czar"

WHAT:

ICE agents began checking travelers’ IDs and performing screening duties at airports on March 25th, 2026.

ICE agents were deployed to ease hours-long security lines amid a shortage of TSA workers.

At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, ICE agents instructed travelers to insert their IDs into card readers.

At Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, armed ICE agents checked IDs and managed baggage flow on security conveyor belts.

A traveler at LaGuardia Airport reported that an ICE agent checked his ID while going through TSA PreCheck.

WHERE:

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

LaGuardia Airport

WHEN:

ICE agents began their ID checks on March 25th, 2026.

ICE agents were deployed to JFK Airport on March 23rd, 2026.

WHY:

The deployment of ICE agents was intended to free up more TSA agents to staff screening areas.

HOW:

ICE agents checked IDs using card readers and verified identities on computer screens.

ICE agents were seen patrolling hallways and managing the flow of travelers and baggage.

(UPDATED March 26, 2026 15:22 UTC)

On March 25, 2026, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents began checking travelers' IDs and performing screening duties at airports to alleviate long security lines caused by a shortage of Transportation Security Administration personnel. At major airports like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International and Phoenix Sky Harbor, armed ICE agents managed baggage flow and instructed travelers on using card readers for ID verification. This deployment, which also included John F. Kennedy International Airport on March 23, was aimed at allowing more TSA agents to focus on staffing the screening areas.