US Airport Delays Mount Amid DHS Shutdown; Trump Deploys ICE Agents

March 23, 2026

Washington: Long security lines and growing passenger frustration hit major US airports as the Trump administration moved to deploy Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to help ease pressure on the Transportation Security Administration during the Department of Homeland Security shutdown.

ICE Agents Deployed for Airport Support

White House border czar Tom Homan said ICE agents would begin deploying to airports on Monday and assist with security at entrances and exits to reduce TSA’s burden as staffing shortages worsened.

A Washington Post report said ICE agents would not handle specialised screening tasks but could assist with duties like guarding exits and checking passenger IDs before screening.

Shutdown Triggers Staffing Crisis

The administration and Democrats traded blame as disruptions spread across airports nationwide.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt blamed Democrats for the shutdown, while reports highlighted severe staffing shortages and long TSA lines at major airports.

At Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, travellers reported lines stretching into parking areas, while Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport saw wait times of several hours.

Severe Delays at Major Hubs

CBS News reported passengers waiting up to five hours in Atlanta as TSA delays worsened amid a nationwide staffing crisis. Other reports said absenteeism among TSA workers rose significantly after missed paychecks during the shutdown.

Critics questioned the effectiveness of ICE deployment, saying many airport screening tasks require specialised training.

Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer criticised the move, calling it “disturbing” and warning it could create further problems at airports.