Army in line: why ICE agents have turned up at U.S. airports and what it means for travelers
Imagine you've just landed in Atlanta -- the luggage isn't on the tape yet, it's a line across the terminal.
Instead of the usual TSA employees, you see ICE agents in uniform distributing water and directing the flow of people. This is now a reality: amid a staffing crisis at TSA, some major U.S. airports have begun employing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.
What happened and who gave the order
On the orders of President Donald Trump, ICE agents were sent to help airports experiencing difficulties due to massive missing TSA employees.
Posted on March 26, 2026; as of March 23, ICE agents had already been deployed to 13 major airports, followed by their presence elsewhere.
Where exactly were the agents sent?
Among the airports where ICE employees appeared:
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
- LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)
There were also reports of agents at Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA).
What exactly do ICE agents do?
According to official explanations, including that of Tom Homan, the White House’s “border czar,” ICE agents do not pursue immigration or carry out baggage searches. Their main role is to facilitate the work of the TSA, taking on auxiliary tasks: monitoring queues, guarding exits, helping passengers navigate the terminal, distributing water, etc. They help to “free” TSA employees so that they can focus on scans and direct control procedures, while the agents do not work with X-ray machines and do not perform screening.
Why this raises questions
Many passengers are alarmed by the presence of armed agents who are not trained in standard TSA procedures. Critics say it is a temporary and compromise solution, but not a substitute for aviation security training. The authorities, in turn, emphasize the temporary nature of the measures: the goal is to reduce delays and chaos in the waiting rooms until the situation normalizes.
Where did the TSA crisis come from?
The staffing collapse at the TSA is associated with a partial government shutdown: TSA employees have been without pay since February 14, 2026, which led to a sharp increase in absenteeism and refusal to go to shifts. As of March 25, the number of employees who have resigned in protest or for financial reasons has reached about 400. Absenteeism is particularly noticeable at some airports: Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport recorded up to 43% of absentee TSA employees; JFK and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta recorded about 36%. All this has a direct impact on the waiting time of passengers.
What this means for passengers - and how not to get confused
For travelers, these are real long lines and unpredictable delays. ICE agents help to unload areas, but they do not solve the problem of the shortage of trained controllers. If you are planning a flight in the near future, it is useful to consider a few simple steps:
- to arrive at the airport with a spare time;
- check flight status and airport recommendations in the application;
Have documents and bags ready for inspection;
If possible, learn in advance about the rules for carrying hand luggage.
And a little life hack: in this situation, a trip with a local guide or even an experienced “local” can become not only more interesting, but also calmer.
A local guide knows the nuances of the terminal, queues, alternative entrances and airport services - he can help you navigate, tell you where to pass control faster or where to hide from waiting. In times of crisis, small tips save minutes - and sometimes hours.
Briefly on the status of measures
Authorities call the involvement of ICE agents a temporary measure designed to reduce congestion and quickly support the work of airports in the context of a staff shortage of TSA. It is hoped that with the restoration of the TSA’s regular operation, the need for such intervention will disappear.
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