Following President Trump's threats to deploy Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, hundreds were sent to 14 major U.S. airports on March 23, 2026, to help short-staffed Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers amid a partial Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown now in its second month. Travelers faced extreme delays, including up to nine-hour lines at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, prompting four-hour early arrival advisories.
The DHS shutdown, ongoing since February 14 over funding disputes tied to immigration reforms, has led to high TSA callout rates: 41.5% at Atlanta, 47% at Houston Hobby, and 42.3% at New Orleans on March 23 (Reuters and other reports). Over the March 22 weekend, more than a third of staff were absent at hubs like Atlanta, Houston, and New York, exacerbating lines—up to nine hours at the world's busiest airport (WSB-TV, social media). Over 400 agents have resigned since the shutdown began (DHS, Reuters).
Atlanta's airport advised on X: “Due to TSA staffing constraints, ATL is continuing to see longer than normal wait times... arrive at least 4 hours early.” DHS stated: “As the Democrats’ DHS shutdown continues, many TSA officers are facing extraordinary financial hardship—forcing them to call out... and take on side jobs.”
Trump directed ICE agents to assist with crowd control and ID checks without masks, posting on Truth Social: “I would greatly appreciate... NO MASKS, when helping our Country out of the Democrat caused MESS...” Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens clarified ICE would report to TSA and avoid immigration enforcement.
Negotiations remain stalled over ICE reforms including judicial warrants, masking rules, and sensitive locations; Trump demands the SAVE America Act. On March 23, the Senate confirmed Markwayne Mullin as DHS secretary. Private TSA airports under the Screening Partnership Program are unaffected due to pre-funded contracts.
