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Trump vows ICE deployment to airports if funding deal fails
U.S. President Donald Trump warned Saturday that he would send Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to handle airport security starting Monday unless Congress approves funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The move comes as tens of thousands of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers work without pay amid a month-long funding lapse.
DHS funding impasse enters fifth week
The DHS has operated without full funding since mid-February after lawmakers failed to pass a spending bill. A Senate proposal to fund the agency and compensate TSA workers stalled Friday, leaving airport security personnel unpaid since the shutdown began.
Trump blamed Democrats for the deadlock, accusing them of blocking funding over demands for ICE reforms. Democrats have refused to approve DHS funding without changes to ICE policies, including restrictions on facial coverings and warrant procedures.
TSA workforce struggles amid unpaid furlough
Over 300 TSA employees have resigned since the funding lapse began, while unscheduled absences have surged, according to U.S. media reports. Union officials say many officers are taking second jobs to make ends meet, with some relying on food donations and gift cards from airports.
"Numerous employees have told me their bank accounts are at zero or negative. They can't pay for daycare or food. They just want to know why they can't get paid when we have money to launch missiles abroad," said Johnny Jones, a Dallas-based official with the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE).
Johnny Jones, AFGE
ICE agents lack airport security training
Trump's proposal to deploy ICE agents to airports has raised concerns, as the agency's officers are not trained for TSA-style security operations. ICE, which focuses on immigration enforcement, has not been affected by the funding lapse due to separate congressional appropriations.
The agency has been central to Trump's immigration crackdown, conducting thousands of arrests since his 2025 return to office. Its tactics have drawn criticism from Democrats, civil rights groups, and non-governmental organizations.
Democrats demand ICE reforms after fatal shootings
Democrats have tied DHS funding to reforms following the deaths of two Minneapolis residents, Alex Pretti and Renee Good, who were fatally shot by federal agents during a January protest against immigration raids. Their demands include banning ICE agents from wearing face masks, improving officer identification, and tightening warrant requirements.
Airport delays worsen as shutdown drags on
Long security lines have become common at U.S. airports as TSA staff shortages grow. Some facilities have organized food drives and gift card collections to support unpaid workers. The White House has not indicated when negotiations might resume, leaving the funding impasse unresolved.
