Keep ICE away from airport security — pay TSA instead

The Hill
by Sheldon H. Jacobson, opinion contributor
March 24, 2026
3 min read

Quick Insights

The Bottom Line

Bipartisan lawmakers oppose ICE deployment at airport checkpoints, calling instead for increased TSA officer funding to maintain aviation security.

How This Affects You

The outcome of this funding debate will determine whether you encounter trained TSA officers or ICE agents at security checkpoints, affecting your airport experience and screening procedures.

AI Summary

Bipartisan lawmakers are calling for increased funding for TSA officers rather than deploying Immigration and Customs Enforcement at airport security checkpoints. The statement reflects concern that using ICE personnel at airports could compromise aviation security and create operational friction in screening lines that process 2.5 million passengers daily on average. The debate centers on resource allocation: whether airport security should rely on specialized TSA training or repurpose immigration enforcement staff for screening duties. This positioning suggests disagreement within the Trump administration or Congress over how to staff security operations amid broader immigration enforcement priorities. The outcome will likely depend on budget negotiations and the White House's stated approach to deploying federal agencies across multiple enforcement missions.

What's Being Done

Bipartisan lawmakers are calling for increased TSA funding rather than ICE deployment; outcome depends on budget negotiations and White House approach.

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