ICE May Remain at Airports Even After T.S.A. Pay Resumes, Border Czar Says
The New York Times • • general
Key Points:
- ICE agents deployed to U.S. airports during the Department of Homeland Security shutdown may remain even after TSA employees resume pay, depending on TSA staffing levels, according to Tom Homan, the White House border official.
- More than 500 TSA employees have quit amid the shutdown, with over 3,560 calling in sick recently, causing extended wait times at airport security checkpoints.
- ICE agents have been assisting with identification checks to reduce wait times, though their specific roles have been criticized by TSA unions and others as not effectively supporting TSA operations.
- President Trump signed an executive order to pay TSA employees despite ongoing Congressional funding disputes, but operational challenges at airports are expected to persist in the short term.
