Travel Turmoil As ICE Agents Flood US Airports

Air travel across the United States has faced major disruptions after immigration enforcement agents were deployed to airports to assist security operations during a staffing crisis.

Hundreds of officers from Immigration and Customs Enforcement were sent to several major airports following widespread absences among Transportation Security Administration workers, who have been affected by a prolonged government funding dispute.

Officials said the agents were assigned to crowd control, exit monitoring and other support duties to help manage long security lines, not to carry out immigration arrests.

Despite the deployment, travellers reported delays lasting several hours at some airports, with unions warning that immigration agents are not trained for aviation security roles.

The crisis began after the funding standoff left many TSA employees working without pay, leading to resignations and increased absenteeism.

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Critics say the move has created confusion among passengers and raised concerns about the presence of enforcement officers in civilian travel areas. Supporters argue the measure is necessary to keep airports operating until the staffing shortage is resolved.

Airlines have advised passengers to arrive earlier than usual while negotiations continue in Washington to end the dispute and restore normal operations.

The situation has added to tensions over immigration policy and federal spending, with lawmakers divided on how to resolve the shutdown affecting airport security.