Trump: ICE officers ‘rehabbing a fake image’ by helping with bags at airports, cleaning

President Trump praised ICE officers on Wednesday for assisting with baggage and other duties at airports amid extended security delays caused by a Department of Homeland Security funding lapse. Trump characterized the officers' airport work as an opportunity to rehabilitate their public image after years of criticism from Democrats. The move reflects the Trump administration's effort to deploy federal immigration agents beyond their traditional enforcement role during a staffing crunch at TSA checkpoints. The DHS funding gap has created operational strain across the department's agencies, forcing unconventional use of personnel to handle airport congestion. Trump's comments signal his administration's strategy of repurposing immigration enforcement resources to address immediate operational needs while framing it as a positive step for the agency's reputation.