Amidst a government shutdown, ICE agents have been deployed to 14 US airports to address staffing shortages and growing travel disruptions, with the potential for National Guard involvement.
TSA Staffing Crisis and ICE Deployment
On Monday, ICE officers began service at 14 airports across the United States. The administration states their purpose is to manage crowds and mitigate disruptions to air travel, which are increasing due to personnel shortages within the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
TSA employees are experiencing the effects of the ongoing shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Over 400 TSA employees have resigned, and thousands more have been absent from work due to inability to afford necessities like fuel, childcare, food, and rent.
Absenteeism Rates and Regional Impacts
On Sunday, the TSA absenteeism rate reached 11.76%, representing over 3,450 employees absent from duty. Some airports experienced even more severe staffing shortages, with absenteeism rates of 42.3% in New Orleans, 41.5% in Atlanta, 39.1% in Houston, 38.1% in Baltimore, and 37.4% at New York’s JFK airport.
Trump’s Response and Potential National Guard Activation
“We will not let the Democrats destroy our country,” President Trump told reporters at his Florida resort. He stated that ICE will do a “great job,” but indicated the National Guard could be deployed if necessary.
ICE Role and Facial Covering Restrictions
Trump stated that while he would like ICE to detain illegal immigrants at airports, their primary task is to support the TSA. He also specified that ICE officers stationed at airports should not wear masks or face coverings, a point of contention in the DHS budget impasse.
However, the President reiterated his support for ICE officers wearing masks outside of airports, explaining that those arriving at airports are “not typically murderers, killers, drug dealers, etc.”
Public Reaction and Democratic Criticism
Reports from Monday showed ICE agents present in Newark, LaGuardia, Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, and New Orleans. Some passengers criticized the move, arguing that ICE cannot replace TSA security personnel.
Democratic Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey criticized the administration’s actions, stating that the ICE presence “sows fear” among travelers. He reported that airline representatives favored removing agents from airports, and appealed to Trump to fund the TSA instead of deploying immigration services.
Shutdown and Budgetary Conflict
Despite the worsening situation at airports, Trump urged Republicans not to reach an agreement with Democrats unless they approve the SAVE America Act, which includes requirements for proof of citizenship for voter registration and identification during voting.
Tom Homan, the White House advisor on border issues, indicated that the deployment of ICE to 14 airports is just the beginning, with potential for further expansion.
