ICE seen at Atlanta airport amid partial shutdown
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- Federal immigration officers are being deployed to major U.S. airports to assist TSA amid staffing shortages caused by the ongoing government shutdown, with sightings reported at Atlanta, New Orleans, and Houston airports.
- The deployment aims to alleviate long security lines as hundreds of thousands of Homeland Security workers, including TSA agents, have been working without pay, leading to increased sick calls and resignations.
- Unions representing TSA and flight attendants have criticized the use of ICE officers at security checkpoints, arguing it could distract from security duties and raise tensions due to potential immigration status inquiries.
- President Trump ordered ICE officers not to wear face coverings while assisting at airports, emphasizing their role in supporting TSA during the shutdown rather than in enforcement actions against criminals.
- Separately, New York’s LaGuardia Airport was closed after a fatal collision between an Air Canada regional jet and a fire truck, resulting in two pilot deaths and multiple injuries, with operations halted at nearby Newark Liberty International Airport as well.
