Story perspectives

Unpaid TSA Agents Cause Long Airport Delays Amid ICE Presence

3/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Long security lines at U.S. airports persisted on March 23 due to unpaid Transportation Security Administration agents, delaying travelers.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, deployed by U.S. President Donald Trump, were seen in Atlanta and other cities to support Transportation Security Administration (TSA) operations.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said the ICE presence supported TSA operations, not immigration enforcement, while travelers remained frustrated after the LaGuardia plane crash.

History

Historical Context

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was established in response to the September 11 attacks, with the Aviation and Transportation Security Act signed into law on November 19, 2001. By 2013, the TSA was managing over 1.8 million travelers daily, but faced a funding crisis that led to furloughs and significant airport delays, echoing ongoing concerns about balancing security and immigration enforcement.

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Story summary

Long security lines at U.S. airports persisted on March 23 due to unpaid Transportation Security Administration agents, delaying travelers.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, deployed by U.S. President Donald Trump, were seen in Atlanta and other cities to support Transportation Security Administration (TSA) operations.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said the ICE presence supported TSA operations, not immigration enforcement, while travelers remained frustrated after the LaGuardia plane crash.

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