Story perspectives

TSA Staffing Crisis: 21% Absence at Long Beach Airport

3/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Over the weekend, 21% of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at Long Beach Airport were absent.
Nationwide, more than 11% of TSA workers called out, marking highest rate since shutdown began.
The staffing crisis stems from a government shutdown that has left TSA officers unpaid for weeks.
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump deployed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to assist at airports, but none went to California.

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Story summary

Over the weekend, 21% of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at Long Beach Airport were absent.
Nationwide, more than 11% of TSA workers called out, marking highest rate since shutdown began.
The staffing crisis stems from a government shutdown that has left TSA officers unpaid for weeks.
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump deployed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to assist at airports, but none went to California.