Story perspectives

Government Shutdown Sparks TSA Staffing Crisis, Long Airport Delays

3/26/2026

Center

Trump Deploys ICE

The partial government shutdown has caused significant disruptions to TSA operations, resulting in staffing shortages and long security lines at airports.
Over 400 TSA officers have resigned, and call-out rates have reached record highs, with some airports experiencing wait times over four hours.
President Trump has deployed ICE agents to assist with crowd management at 14 major airports, including Hartsfield-Jackson and JFK, but they will not conduct security screenings.
Critics warn that ICE's involvement could heighten tensions and detract from TSA's security responsibilities.
Travelers should arrive early and check for airport-specific updates, as TSA's official tools are inactive due to the funding lapse.

Left

TSA Eases Security

Long airport security wait times, worsened by a partial government shutdown, push travelers toward Transportation Security Administration (TSA) PreCheck, and the agency ended the shoes-off policy.
The TSA PreCheck program costs $76–$85 and lasts five years.
Enrollment requires an application, an in-person interview, and fingerprinting, with appointments at Staples and OfficeMax in Phoenix; some trusted traveler members can access PreCheck for free.

History

Historical Context

The U.S. government shutdown from October 1 to 17, 2013, resulted from a budget impasse over the Affordable Care Act, leading to the furlough of approximately 800,000 federal employees. This 16-day disruption echoed previous shutdowns, notably the 21-day standoff in 1995-96, and highlighted ongoing political tensions. The current partial shutdown has similarly caused significant delays at major airports, affecting travel nationwide.

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Trump Deploys ICE

The partial government shutdown has caused significant disruptions to TSA operations, resulting in staffing shortages and long security lines at airports.
Over 400 TSA officers have resigned, and call-out rates have reached record highs, with some airports experiencing wait times over four hours.
President Trump has deployed ICE agents to assist with crowd management at 14 major airports, including Hartsfield-Jackson and JFK, but they will not conduct security screenings.
Critics warn that ICE's involvement could heighten tensions and detract from TSA's security responsibilities.
Travelers should arrive early and check for airport-specific updates, as TSA's official tools are inactive due to the funding lapse.

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