Trump threatens to send ICE agents to airports amid TSA funding impasse
President Donald Trump warns of deploying ICE agents to US airports if Congress does not fund airport security amid a government shutdown.
Summary
The ongoing 36-day partial government shutdown has led to significant operational challenges for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), with staff facing a second missed paycheck.
In response to the funding impasse, President Trump has warned of deploying ICE agents to airports, a move that could have substantial implications for airport security protocols.
This situation underscores the critical need for stable funding and operational continuity within airport security infrastructure, as concerns over safety and efficiency continue to mount.
Updates
Update at 18:23 UTC on 2026-03-21
Politico reported In a bold move, Trump warns of deploying ICE agents to airports as tensions rise with the Department of Homeland Security.
Sources: Politico
Update at 19:37 UTC on 2026-03-21
CNBC reported Elon Musk offers to cover TSA agents' pay amid ongoing government shutdown.
Sources: CNBC
Update at 20:22 UTC on 2026-03-21
BBC World reported The president said ICE would "do security" as airport security staff have gone without pay for weeks due to a partial government shutdown.
Sources: BBC World
Update at 23:08 UTC on 2026-03-22
BBC World reported Travellers have faced hours-long waits at airports around the country as a partial government shutdown has left TSA agents without pay.
Sources: BBC World
Update at 18:00 UTC on 2026-03-23
Jalopnik reported If Trump's ICE deployments don't work, he told the Times that he would send in the National Guard to assist the TSA.
Sources: Jalopnik