ICE Agents at Some Airports Begin Checking IDs in Security Lines - The New York Times

The New York Times
March 26, 2026
3 min read

Quick Insights

The Bottom Line

ICE agents now conduct ID checks inside airport security lines at some U.S. airports.

How This Affects You

Travelers without proper immigration documentation face increased risk of identification and deportation during standard airport screening, potentially chilling travel among immigrant families and noncitizens.

AI Summary

Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have begun conducting ID checks in airport security lines at some airports, representing a shift in where immigration enforcement operations occur. The practice places ICE officers directly in TSA checkpoints, allowing them to screen travelers during the standard security screening process rather than only in baggage claim or departure areas. This expansion of ICE's presence in airport security zones increases the likelihood that travelers without proper immigration documentation will be identified during initial airport access. The move reflects the Trump administration's intensified immigration enforcement priorities since taking office in January 2025. The initiative raises questions about how it may affect travel patterns and whether it will be expanded to additional airports.

What's Being Done

The Trump administration has deployed ICE agents into TSA checkpoint areas as part of intensified immigration enforcement since January 2025.

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