ICE Agents May Continue Assisting at Airports Despite TSA Pay Resumption
As the shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) lingers, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents might continue their duties at U.S. airports. This development comes even as Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers anticipate the resumption of their paychecks, according to statements made by White House border czar Tom Homan.
When questioned about the potential departure of ICE agents once TSA staff begin receiving their pay, Homan commented, “we’ll see.” He further elaborated to CNN State of the Union host Jake Tapper that this decision hinges on the number of TSA agents who return to work and those who may have permanently left their positions.
Efforts to ensure TSA workers receive their salaries are underway. Homan noted discussions with Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, expressing hope that the payment process would conclude “hopefully by tomorrow or Tuesday.” A recent DHS social media post affirmed that the payment process is in motion, with paychecks potentially arriving as early as Monday. This follows President Trump’s directive to utilize existing funds for salary payments, despite the absence of Congressional approval for DHS funding.
Last week marked the sixth week of the DHS shutdown, during which ICE agents were deployed to airports nationwide to support TSA operations. These agents have been instrumental in tasks like “checking identification” and addressing other security needs, freeing TSA officers to focus on specialized duties such as luggage screening, as per Homan’s assessment.
Approximately 50,000 TSA employees have been working without pay due to Congressional deadlock over DHS funding. TSA Acting Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill reported to lawmakers that over 480 TSA employees have resigned, and some airports have experienced a 40% worker absence rate, leading to prolonged passenger wait times at security checkpoints.
However, Homan indicated that the deployment of ICE agents has already led to a reduction in wait times. “I was in Houston — wait lines decreased in about half,” Homan stated, noting additional agents were also sent to Baltimore to alleviate lines there.
Despite improvements, challenges remain. Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport’s website reported improved wait times, yet they still exceed normal durations. Similarly, George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston advised travelers of potential wait times exceeding four hours, although they were under two hours on Sunday.
The timeline for resolving DHS funding issues is uncertain, with Congressional negotiations at a standstill. Lawmakers have adjourned for a scheduled recess, with the Senate and House set to reconvene on April 13 and 14, respectively.
