The administration has deployed hundreds of ICE agents to airport checkpoints to assist with non-technical security tasks like crowd control, entry guarding, and initial ID verification.
Yet, ICE agents are limited to what they can do because they have not received the same training as TSA agents. This could lead to security checks at airports not being properly executed.
TSA agents face difficult living situations, as some employees don’t even have enough money to pay for gas to get to work. Many called in sick, so security lines at the airport became extremely long. These delays outraged passengers.
The lack of staff turned the airport into a very stressful place for everyone.
How did we get here?
In March 2026, ICE agents were deployed to 14 major airports to assist with security. Airports are relying on ICE agents because of the partial government shutdown that caused the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to not receive any funds. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is an agency within DHS, so its employees have not been getting paid.
DHS stated that about 500 TSA employees have quit since the shutdown started. This led to massive staff shortages and three-hour security lines because workers have resigned or called out sick. ICE agents, on the other hand, are funded through the multi-year One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBA) in 2025.
The Latest TSA Situation
On Friday, March 27, 2026, President Trump signed an executive order to pay TSA workers. Yet, airport operations remain chaotic. ICE agents are still deployed to stabilize these terminals. Their role in crowd management and interior enforcement continues to be a central part of the current administration’s aviation strategy.
As of April 14, 2026, lawmakers returned to Washington, D.C. to further discuss the partial government shutdown. This discussion will include funding for TSA agents’ paychecks.
What people on social media have to say
On platforms such as TikTok and YouTube, TSA videos have received a lot of attention. Viral videos share insights on “endless” lines and discussions surrounding privacy due to ICE agents being present.
Passengers are now leaving for the airport five hours early. Clips from Atlanta and Houston checkpoints show “ghost towns” because there is an estimated 40-50% call-out rate for unpaid TSA agents.
Passengers noticed that new tech and ID fees are being quietly implemented at checkpoints. In certain cases, fees can reach up to $45. TikTokers are now using #TSAScam.
Tyler Perry and the TSA
Filmmaker and playwright Tyler Perry attempted to support TSA agents at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. He initially arrived with $100,000 in cash to distribute directly, but airport officials blocked the gesture because federal ethics laws prohibit employees from accepting cash gifts.
Perry returned the following day with $250,000 worth of $1,000 Visa gift cards intended for 250 workers. TSA agents had to return the gift cards because the Federal Security Director raised concerns about the legality and fairness of the distribution. After a brief legal review by the Department of Homeland Security, the agents were ultimately cleared to keep the money.
TSA employees were initially overjoyed when they received these gift cards. However, when they were told the cards needed to be returned, employees were upset and disappointed.
People on social media were also outraged that the government stopped paying its employees, and then tried to stop a private citizen from helping them. Major airlines viewed Perry’s gift as a way to help stabilize airport operations.
The impact on TSA agents
TSA agents have an important role in airports. In an oversight hearing, the TSA stated that around 95% of TSA employees are essential to protecting the traveling public. About $1 billion in payroll has not been paid to TSA employees in a timely manner.
This second government shutdown has left TSA agents financially strained. According to the TIMES, “dozens of agents have launched a fundraiser on GoFundMe to raise money for basic living expenses for their families.”
TSA agents are taking measures from having to sleep in their cars to using donated gift cards. Some don’t have the money to pay for gas to get to work. Many are still trying to recover from the first government shutdown.
This second shutdown makes TSA employees feel like political pawns.
In addition, there are opinions regarding ICE agents doing security checks. For instance, ICE is creating a gap instead of closing one because of the lack of training.
One former official told Government Executive, “It’s a political, publicity action, not a practical solution.” Many TSA agents seem to agree with that sentiment.
Possible solutions in the works
As previously stated, President Trump has signed an executive order to pay TSA workers. Secondly, the deployment of ICE agents to help with security checkpoints. Lastly, collecting donations.
However, those solutions are not sustainable for the long term.
The TSA union has taken things to Congress. They are pushing for a Shutdown Fairness Act. This act would make it illegal to withhold pay from workers during a government shutdown. This will allow TSA workers to receive consistent paychecks.
Another solution is digital ID checks and facial recognition scans. Implementing these technologies will improve efficiency at security checkpoints, as well as eliminate the need for physical driver’s licenses or boarding passes. It is a voluntary process, yet passengers are skeptical due to concerns about their privacy.
As of April 16, the partial government shutdown has reached its 62nd day, officially the longest in U.S. history. There is no date yet for when a final vote to end the shutdown will take place. But there are solutions, such as the Split-Funding Compromise, that aim to fund most DHS agencies.
In addition, the Republican “Two-Budget” plan which House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune have confirmed a plan to separate DHS funding into two packages. One for general DHS operations and a separate one for CBP budget.
