Travelers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport faced significant delays at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints due to an ongoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown. In response to the situation, White House border czar Tom Homan announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents would be deployed to airports starting March 21 to assist TSA personnel. This deployment aims to alleviate long security lines caused by a shortage of TSA agents, many of whom have either called in sick or resigned during the shutdown, which began on February 14.
Homan confirmed that ICE's role would include non-specialized tasks, such as guarding exit doors, to allow TSA officers to focus on security screening. However, the specific details regarding deployment locations were still being finalized as of the announcement.
The decision to utilize ICE agents has drawn criticism from various quarters. Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, expressed concern that ICE personnel lack the necessary training for aviation security, emphasizing that TSA officers undergo extensive training to identify potential threats. Kelley called for Congress to resolve the funding issues affecting the TSA rather than resorting to what he termed an "improvised" solution.
Democratic leaders have also voiced opposition, with House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries arguing that deploying untrained ICE agents could pose risks to travelers. He asserted that Democrats would continue to demand changes to immigration enforcement practices as part of any funding negotiations for DHS.
Some Republican senators have suggested separating ICE and Customs and Border Protection funding from the rest of DHS, a move aimed at facilitating funding for TSA and other agencies while addressing concerns around ICE operations. This proposal reflects ongoing tensions between political parties regarding immigration and security funding.