Story perspectives

Long TSA Lines at LaGuardia Amid Government Shutdown

3/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Long security lines at LaGuardia Airport in New York City arise from a partial government shutdown that disrupts Transportation Security Administration (TSA) operations.
Many Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents are calling in sick due to unpaid work, creating significant staff shortages.
ICE agents have been deployed to assist TSA.
The shutdown has driven more than 480 TSA resignations.
TSA workers are financially strained, with many relying on food banks and facing eviction.

History

Historical Context

The 2013 U.S. government shutdown, lasting 16 days, resulted from a standoff over the Affordable Care Act, affecting 800,000 federal employees and causing significant disruptions, including long airport security lines. This historical precedent resonates today as the current partial shutdown leads to unpaid TSA agents calling in sick, highlighting ongoing vulnerabilities in federal operations and the economic strain on workers reliant on government pay.

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Story summary

Long security lines at LaGuardia Airport in New York City arise from a partial government shutdown that disrupts Transportation Security Administration (TSA) operations.
Many Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents are calling in sick due to unpaid work, creating significant staff shortages.
ICE agents have been deployed to assist TSA.
The shutdown has driven more than 480 TSA resignations.
TSA workers are financially strained, with many relying on food banks and facing eviction.

1 / 2