TSA shuts down Global Entry as the partial government shutdown drags on
WTOP • • nation
Key Points:
- The Department of Homeland Security initially planned to shut down both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck programs due to staffing constraints amid a partial government shutdown but later canceled the PreCheck closure to avoid further disruption.
- The shutdown, beginning February 14, stems from a funding impasse between Democrats and the White House, with Democrats demanding changes to immigration operations central to President Trump's deportation policies.
- Despite the shutdown, airport security lines remained largely unaffected on Sunday, with wait times under 15 minutes at most major international airports, and travelers reported no immediate issues using TSA PreCheck.
- The disruption coincides with a major winter storm affecting the East Coast, leading to significant flight cancellations at key airports including JFK, LaGuardia, and Boston Logan.
