ICE at Airports: What Agents Can Do During Shutdown, TSA Staffing Crisis

The presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at airports across the United States has raised questions about their role and authority, particularly as the country navigates staffing challenges within the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Deployed to assist during a period of government shutdown-related staffing shortages, these agents are prompting both curiosity and concern among travelers.

What’s Driving the Deployment?

President Trump ordered the deployment of ICE officers to airports nationwide as the TSA grappled with significant staffing issues stemming from the ongoing partial government shutdown. As of late March 2026, TSA officers had been working without pay for approximately five weeks, leading to increased sick calls and, longer security lines at many airports. According to TSA’s deputy administrator, Ha Nguyen McNeill, over 480 TSA employees have resigned, and thousands more are calling out sick each day. Meanwhile, ICE has remained unaffected by the shutdown, having received $75 billion in funding last summer.

What Authority Do ICE Agents Have at Airports?

ICE was established in 2003 as part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with broad authority to enforce immigration laws both within and beyond U.S. Borders. This includes the power to question, search, and arrest individuals suspected of violating immigration laws without a warrant. Historically, immigration enforcement efforts focused on individuals already arrested for other crimes, according to Theresa Brown, a fellow at Cornell Law School. ICE agents are authorized to issue arrest warrants, stop and question individuals based on “reasonable suspicion,” detain individuals, and prosecute those living in the U.S. Illegally. They also retain the general powers of federal law enforcement officers, allowing them to develop arrests for any crime they witness.

Although, the scope of ICE’s authority has expanded in recent years. Experts like Hiroshi Motomura of UCLA’s Center for Immigration Law and Policy point to a shift in tactics, including more aggressive enforcement and the utilize of plainclothes officers. The agency’s substantial funding—separate from the departments affected by the shutdown—allows it to operate independently and potentially expand its reach.

What Are Agents Actually Doing at Airports?

DHS officials state that ICE agents deployed to airports, including Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, are primarily focused on “non-screening support functions.” These include monitoring exit lanes, making passenger announcements (such as reminders about liquid restrictions), assisting with queue management, and generally supporting TSA officers to allow them to focus on screening passengers and baggage.

Tom Homan, the White House border czar overseeing the program, has suggested that ICE agents could also cover exits currently monitored by TSA personnel or check identification before passengers enter screening areas. However, Homan also indicated that the specific duties and number of agents deployed would be determined through discussions with TSA and ICE leadership, suggesting a degree of flexibility in their roles.

Concerns and Reactions

The presence of ICE agents at airports has sparked unease among some travelers. One traveler at O’Hare Airport expressed feeling “scared” by the increased security presence. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has stated that ICE personnel at O’Hare will be limited to these support functions, but the potential for broader enforcement activities remains a concern for immigration advocates.

The situation is further complicated by reports of ICE’s increasing surveillance capabilities. A recent NPR investigation revealed that ICE has been purchasing data from commercial data brokers, raising privacy concerns. Reports have surfaced of ICE officers detaining protesters and collecting their DNA samples, highlighting the potential for aggressive tactics. More information on ICE surveillance practices can be found here.

What’s the Broader Context?

The deployment of ICE agents to airports is occurring against a backdrop of ongoing debate about immigration policy and border security. The Trump administration has consistently prioritized stricter enforcement of immigration laws, and the increased funding for ICE reflects this commitment. However, critics argue that these policies are harmful to communities and undermine due process.

The current situation also highlights the vulnerabilities of the nation’s transportation security system. The TSA’s staffing shortages demonstrate the challenges of maintaining adequate security during periods of political gridlock and budgetary constraints. The reliance on ICE to fill these gaps raises questions about the appropriate role of immigration enforcement in airport security.

As of Wednesday, travelers were still experiencing the longest TSA wait times in history, despite the presence of ICE agents.

Looking ahead, the situation at airports will likely depend on the resolution of the government shutdown and the ongoing debate over immigration policy. DHS officials have indicated that they will continue to monitor the situation and adjust the deployment of ICE agents as needed. It remains to be seen whether this temporary measure will become a permanent feature of airport security.