ICE deployed to some U.S. airports as long security lines persist
CNBC • • general
Key Points:
- Tens of thousands of travelers in major U.S. airports like New York, Atlanta, and Houston are experiencing long security wait times due to elevated absences of TSA officers amid a partial government shutdown.
- TSA officers, numbering over 50,000, have been working without pay since mid-February, leading to hundreds quitting, according to their union, which has exacerbated staffing shortages.
- The Trump administration deployed ICE agents to airports to assist TSA by managing non-specialized tasks and easing security lines during the shutdown.
- The Department of Homeland Security blamed Democrats for the shutdown and resulting travel disruptions, which are linked to immigration enforcement disputes following recent shootings by officers.
- Additional travel chaos occurred in the New York area due to an Air Canada jet collision at LaGuardia Airport and a temporary ground stop at Newark Liberty International after air traffic controllers evacuated their tower.
