Story perspectives

Trump Praises ICE Agents Amid Long TSA Wait Times

3/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump praised Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents for deploying to airports, calling them 'Great American Patriots'.
He framed their deployment as helping Transportation Security Administration staff and improving airport operations.
The praise comes amid long airport security wait times, with TSA lines exceeding three hours.
The remarks may reflect an effort to rehabilitate ICE's image after recent incidents.
Public opinion polls show ICE remains unpopular.

History

Historical Context

The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, also known as the Hart-Celler Act, abolished national origin quotas, significantly increasing immigration from Asia and Latin America. By the 1970s, over 1 million immigrants arrived annually. This shift continues to influence U.S. immigration policy and public opinion, as seen in recent debates surrounding ICE's role and enforcement practices.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump praised Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents for deploying to airports, calling them 'Great American Patriots'.
He framed their deployment as helping Transportation Security Administration staff and improving airport operations.
The praise comes amid long airport security wait times, with TSA lines exceeding three hours.
The remarks may reflect an effort to rehabilitate ICE's image after recent incidents.
Public opinion polls show ICE remains unpopular.

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