Story perspectives

Trump Deploys ICE Agents to Airports Amid Shutdown

3/23/2026

Summary

Trump Sends ICE

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will be deployed to U.S. airports starting March 23 to help the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) during a partial government shutdown.
ICE agents will monitor exits and check IDs rather than screening passengers to ease lines.
Critics, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), oppose deploying untrained ICE agents in airports amid Department of Homeland Security funding fight.

History

Historical Context

The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, also known as the Hart-Celler Act, abolished national origin quotas that had restricted immigration since the 1920s. This pivotal legislation increased immigration from Asia and Latin America, allowing over 300,000 immigrants annually. The recent deployment of ICE agents at airports highlights ongoing tensions in U.S. immigration enforcement, reflecting historical debates about national security and immigration policy.

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Trump Sends ICE

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will be deployed to U.S. airports starting March 23 to help the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) during a partial government shutdown.
ICE agents will monitor exits and check IDs rather than screening passengers to ease lines.
Critics, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), oppose deploying untrained ICE agents in airports amid Department of Homeland Security funding fight.

1 / 2