President Donald Trump issued a stern warning on Saturday regarding the escalating security crisis at major American travel hubs. He announced plans to deploy Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to manage airport security lines as Transportation Security Administration absenteeism continues to surge.
The ongoing government shutdown has left thousands of federal employees without pay, leading to a significant spike in officers calling out of work. Consequently, travelers at major international airports are facing wait times that now exceed two and a half hours in several locations.
Trump emphasized that the deployment of ICE personnel would serve a dual purpose beyond merely assisting with passenger screening procedures. He explicitly vowed that these agents will be tasked with identifying and arresting any illegal immigrants discovered within the airport terminals.
This controversial move comes as the political stalemate in Washington reaches a critical breaking point for the nation's infrastructure. The United States Senate failed to advance a Department of Homeland Security funding bill on Friday, ensuring the partial shutdown persists indefinitely.
Critics argue that using immigration enforcement officers for civil aviation security could lead to significant legal challenges and operational confusion. However, the administration maintains that drastic measures are necessary to ensure that the country's air travel network remains functional during the funding lapse.
Major airlines have expressed growing concern over the impact these delays and security changes might have on their daily flight schedules. Industry experts warn that the presence of ICE agents could further complicate an already volatile environment for both staff and passengers.
The President remains firm in his stance that border security and internal enforcement are the primary priorities of his current executive strategy. He suggested that the deployment will begin immediately if the legislative deadlock over the federal budget is not resolved by the end of the weekend.
Travelers are being advised to arrive at airports much earlier than usual to navigate the unpredictable security landscape currently affecting the nation. As the shutdown enters its next phase, the tension between the White House and Congress shows no signs of abating.