Airport Long Lines Cause ICE to Proxy for TSA During Staffing Crisis After DHS Shutdown

DHS deployed ICE officers to US airports, starting on March 23, 2026, to stand in for the short-staffed TSA officers, who have been partially shut down since February, causing 2-3-hour-long lines at airports like Atlanta, Houston, and NYC. 

The White House border czar, Tom Homan, made the announcement, which affects 400+ TSA officers who quit due to the crisis caused by unpaid workers. 

The ICE officers are helping with exiting and crowd control, allowing the TSA to focus on screening, which Trump said is "aiding our wonderful TSA agents." The federal workers remain unpaid due to a Senate stalemate.

Airport Long Lines Cause ICE to Proxy for TSA During Staffing Crisis After DHS Shutdown

Homan explained the role of ICE: "Overseeing exits, unauthorized access, managing queues to allow TSA focus on bags/body scans." 

At Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson, only 4 out of 18 lanes were open on Sunday, and the lines went all the way to the baggage claim. 

Houston has seen 150 min wait times, and at LaGuardia and Miami, it has been 35-45 min. Spring break has added to the chaos, and travelers have missed their flights even after arriving 2 hours in advance. 

ICE agents, typically trained for enforcement, now aid logistics without immigration checks.

TSA Staffing Shortages and DHS Shutdown Impact

Shutdown stops paychecks for DHS workers; TSA officers weigh family needs, gas or groceries. 400 have quit since February; 20% jump in sick calls. 

Trump said "Radical Left" was to blame; Musk offered salaries on X to help. Airports like Logan are spared the worst, but unpredictability rules with 15% callout.

Check: Air Canada Express Plane Collides With Fire Truck at LaGuardia Airport

Deployment Details and Traveler Tips

ICE agents, already present to assist in smuggling probes, are reassigned to assist with crowd tasks—no screening powers. 

Rollout begins with busiest airports first, like EWR and ORD. Track wait times with FlightAware.

Tips: arrive 3 hours early, TSA PreCheck recommended, 3-1-1 compliant liquids in carry-on luggage. The union calls a stunt to address the issue. Fix depends on the deal by week’s end.

Read: Hundreds Stranded at Newark Airport as 168 Flights Face Delays and 10 Cancellations

ICE airport assistance relieves pressure caused by shutdown. Travelers urge prompt resolution.