US passengers enraged by hours-long lines and missed flights: ‘Absolutely insane’

A Department of Homeland Security shutdown is causing severe airport congestion nationwide, with passengers reporting three-hour customs delays and missing flights. Security staffing shortages stem from TSA and other airport security employees working without pay for weeks during the shutdown. The Trump administration's actions are being blamed by travelers and critics who view the disruption as self-inflicted, with some passengers choosing not to travel at all until the situation resolves. The backups are affecting major airports across the country, stranding travelers and creating widespread frustration about border and aviation security operations during a critical travel period.