Trump threatens to deploy ICE to airports amid Homeland Security shutdown - Al Jazeera

Al Jazeera
March 21, 2026
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3 min read

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Trump threatens ICE deployment to airports as Homeland Security faces shutdown.

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President Trump has threatened to deploy Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to airports during a potential Homeland Security shutdown, according to reports. The threat comes amid budget negotiations and reflects the administration's approach to immigration enforcement and border security. A shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security would affect operations across multiple agencies, including those responsible for airport security and customs screening. ICE deployment to airports would likely expand immigration enforcement operations at transportation hubs, potentially affecting travelers and airport operations. The statement underscores ongoing tensions between the Trump administration's immigration priorities and Congress's ability to fund the federal government.

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