Trump threatens to use ICE agents for airport security as delays worsen amid DHS shutdown - CBS News

CBS News
March 21, 2026
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3 min read

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Trump threatens to deploy ICE agents for airport security as DHS shutdown causes widespread travel delays.

How This Affects You

Airport security screening may be disrupted or handled by unfamiliar personnel during the shutdown, potentially affecting your travel plans and wait times.

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President Trump has threatened to deploy Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to handle airport security as travel delays mount during a Department of Homeland Security shutdown. The threat represents an unusual pivot toward using immigration enforcement personnel for transportation security duties typically handled by the Transportation Security Administration. Airport delays have intensified amid the DHS shutdown, creating political pressure on the Trump administration to restore operations quickly. Trump's proposal to reassign ICE agents signals frustration with the pace of resolving the shutdown and reflects his administration's willingness to use available federal resources unconventionally. The move would require coordination between multiple agencies and raises questions about the operational feasibility and scope of such a deployment.

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