Tom Homan says ICE agents will assist at crowded airport security points amid TSA staffing shortages
NBC News • • general
Key Points:
- ICE agents will be deployed to major airports starting Monday to assist TSA officers with security at entrances and exits, aiming to reduce long wait times amid the ongoing DHS shutdown and spring break travel surge.
- ICE agents will not assist with TSA baggage screenings but will help cover security points to free TSA officers for screening duties; immigration enforcement at airports will continue as usual.
- The partial DHS shutdown, ongoing since mid-February due to funding disputes, has led to mass TSA agent absences and resignations, exacerbating long lines and operational challenges at airports.
- The decision to deploy ICE agents has drawn mixed reactions from senators, with Republicans seeing it as necessary due to TSA shortages, while Democrats criticize it as potentially disruptive and politically motivated.
- Negotiations to
