TSA lines surge at airports as government shutdown leaves officers unpaid
Fox Business • • general
Key Points:
- The partial government shutdown has caused severe TSA staffing shortages, leading to massive security delays and long lines at major U.S. airports during a busy travel period, with some wait times exceeding two hours.
- Over 400 TSA workers have quit since the shutdown began, and absenteeism rates have reached up to 40% at some airports, forcing lane closures and exacerbating passenger frustrations nationwide.
- President Trump has announced plans to deploy ICE agents to assist TSA at airports, a move criticized by Democrats who argue ICE agents are not trained for airport security and accuse Trump of politicizing the crisis.
- Transportation officials warn the situation could worsen if the shutdown continues, potentially leading to deeper disruptions or airport closures, while travelers are advised to arrive at
