Story perspectives

Trump Deploys ICE to Airports Amid TSA Staffing Crisis

3/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump deployed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to at least 14 airports to assist the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) amid staffing shortages and long lines.
TSA employees express frustration that ICE agents lack training to aid in security processes.
ICE agents performed crowd control and distributed water, failing to shorten wait times.
The arrangement raises concerns for TSA workers, many of whom are without pay.

History

Historical Context

In response to a surge in hijackings, President Richard Nixon deployed federal agents to commercial flights in 1970, following a 300% increase in incidents from 1968 to 1970. This initiative laid the groundwork for the Federal Air Marshal Service, which has evolved under the TSA. Today, the deployment of ICE agents to assist TSA reflects ongoing security challenges in aviation.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump deployed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to at least 14 airports to assist the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) amid staffing shortages and long lines.
TSA employees express frustration that ICE agents lack training to aid in security processes.
ICE agents performed crowd control and distributed water, failing to shorten wait times.
The arrangement raises concerns for TSA workers, many of whom are without pay.

1 / 2