Story perspectives

TSA Crisis: Atlanta Airport Faces 5-Hour Security Delays

3/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

Security lines at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport stretched to five hours amid a TSA crisis tied to a partial Department of Homeland Security shutdown.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned conditions will worsen as about 400 TSA workers quit after missed paychecks.
U.S. President Donald Trump plans to deploy Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to assist TSA at airports.

History

Historical Context

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was established in response to the September 11 attacks, with its creation authorized by the Aviation and Transportation Security Act on November 19, 2001. By 2013, during a government shutdown, approximately 400 TSA employees worked without pay, leading to long airport security lines and highlighting ongoing vulnerabilities in U.S. airport security and the impact of government funding on public safety.

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Story summary

Security lines at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport stretched to five hours amid a TSA crisis tied to a partial Department of Homeland Security shutdown.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned conditions will worsen as about 400 TSA workers quit after missed paychecks.
U.S. President Donald Trump plans to deploy Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to assist TSA at airports.

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