Story perspectives

ICE Assists TSA Amid Shutdown, Sparks Safety Concerns

3/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

ICE agents have been deployed to assist the Transportation Security Administration at U.S. airports, including Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and Chicago O'Hare International Airport, during a partial government shutdown.
They will perform non-screening duties to alleviate lines caused by unpaid TSA staff.
Travelers and unions express safety and civil-liberties concerns, saying ICE lacks airport-security training.
Congress continues to debate funding for the Department of Homeland Security, keeping the situation fluid.

History

Historical Context

The 2013 U.S. federal government shutdown, lasting 16 days, stemmed from a budget impasse over the Affordable Care Act, resulting in 800,000 federal employees being furloughed. The Transportation Security Administration faced operational challenges, leading to long airport lines, as funding for the Department of Homeland Security was frozen. This event underscored ongoing tensions between government funding and public safety in airport security.

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Story summary

ICE agents have been deployed to assist the Transportation Security Administration at U.S. airports, including Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and Chicago O'Hare International Airport, during a partial government shutdown.
They will perform non-screening duties to alleviate lines caused by unpaid TSA staff.
Travelers and unions express safety and civil-liberties concerns, saying ICE lacks airport-security training.
Congress continues to debate funding for the Department of Homeland Security, keeping the situation fluid.

1 / 2