Trump says ICE agents will deploy to U.S. airports Monday
Los Angeles Times • • nation
Key Points:
- President Trump announced plans to deploy ICE agents to U.S. airports starting Monday to assist with long TSA lines caused by a partial government shutdown and TSA staffing shortages, with at least 376 agents having quit since February 14.
- ICE agents will support TSA staff but will not perform specialized security tasks like X-ray screening, according to White House border advisor Tom Homan, though communication about the plan has been limited and criticized by the TSA union.
- Critics, including Democratic leaders, the ACLU, and TSA representatives, argue that deploying ICE agents is unsafe, ineffective, and politically motivated, emphasizing that the real issue is unpaid TSA workers due to the ongoing funding dispute in Congress.
- The partial government shutdown stems from disagreements over Homeland Security funding, with Republicans opposing Democrats’ demands for ICE reforms; negotiations remain stalled amid a looming congressional recess.
- The Senate advanced Sen. Markwayne Mullin’s nomination for Homeland Security secretary, potentially impacting future DHS policies amid the current airport security controversy.
