The US Department of Homeland Security has deployed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers to several major airports as of March 23, 2026, amid a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staffing crisis caused by a partial government shutdown. ICE personnel are providing support at hubs like Atlanta (ATL), New York (JFK), and Newark (EWR), but not at Orlando International Airport (MCO). Travelers to Disney parks face extended wait times at understaffed checkpoints.
The deployment addresses a severe TSA staffing shortage, with officers unpaid since mid-February due to the ongoing funding lapse. Reports indicate call-out rates nearing 12% nationwide and over 400 resignations in the past month. According to WESH 2 News and ClickOrlando, ICE agents arrived at more than 14 domestic airports on March 23, focusing on guarding exit lanes, checking IDs, and managing crowds to allow TSA staff to prioritize screening tasks. They are not conducting pat-downs or operating X-ray machines. Orlando International Airport (MCO), a key gateway for Walt Disney World visitors, has not received ICE support and is experiencing some of the longest wait times, with recommendations to arrive four hours early for departures. Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is among those receiving reinforcements. The move has raised concerns among lawmakers and travelers, particularly families heading to Disney events like the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival or Disneyland's “Bluey’s Best Day Ever.” ICE agents in tactical vests create a heightened security atmosphere at connection points such as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta (ATL) and Charlotte (CLT), potentially complicating tight itineraries. Return trips from MCO are especially challenging due to high volumes of passengers and souvenirs. The situation underscores pressures on federal workers during the Spring Break travel surge.
