US authorities have deployed immigration enforcement officers to major airports as long security queues worsen amid staff shortages caused by an ongoing government shutdown. Get today's headlines by email Hundreds of agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have been sent to 14 airports across the country, including hubs in New York, Atlanta and Houston, according to officials. Staffing Crisis Disrupts AirportsThe move comes as growing numbers of employees from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) have failed to report for duty after weeks without pay. The funding lapse began on 14 February and has left thousands of federal workers unpaid. More than 3,400 TSA staff were absent on Sunday alone, contributing to major delays at airport checkpoints. At some locations, over 40% of staff called in sick, significantly reducing screening capacity. Passengers have been advised to arrive several hours early, with reports of travellers sleeping inside terminals to avoid missing flights. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said disruption levels were severe and could have lasting effects if the shutdown continues. ICE Role Limited but ControversialOfficials said ICE personnel would assist with non-specialised duties such as crowd control, allowing TSA officers to concentrate on core security screening. Acting TSA leadership described the deployment as a way to “support” existing staff and improve efficiency during the crisis. However, the decision has drawn criticism, particularly given ICE’s primary role in immigration enforcement. Donald Trump said agents could make arrests if necessary, though he stressed this was not their main purpose at airports. The president also instructed that ICE officers should not wear face coverings while stationed at airports, saying it would not be “an appropriate look” in that setting. Political Deadlock DeepensThe deployment reflects a broader political impasse in Washington, where lawmakers remain divided over funding for DHS and reforms to immigration enforcement. Democrats have pushed for restrictions on ICE operations as part of any funding agreement, while Republicans have rejected proposals that would exclude the agency from funding packages. Trump has urged his party not to accept partial deals, linking the dispute to wider legislative priorities. Civil Rights Concerns RaisedThe use of ICE agents in airports has prompted concerns from civil rights groups. NAACP criticised the move, warning that agents may not be properly trained for airport duties and raising fears about potential profiling. Airport authorities have also expressed alarm. In a letter to Congress, more than 100 airport leaders warned that the disruption caused by the shutdown was “significant” and likely to worsen without urgent action. Uncertain OutlookWith no immediate resolution in sight, TSA employees are set to miss another pay cycle, further increasing the risk of continued absences. As Congress prepares to enter a scheduled recess, the prospect of prolonged disruption at US airports remains high, leaving travellers facing ongoing delays and uncertainty. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 24 March 2026
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