Trump Threatens to Deploy ICE in Airports Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown

Sat Mar 21 2026 21:49:14 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

President Trump has announced plans to involve Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in airport security if Democratic lawmakers do not agree on funding the Department of Homeland Security, amidst ongoing delays and frustrations at major airports across the nation.

In a bid to escalate pressure on Democrats, President Trump is threatening to order ICE immigration officers to intervene at airports starting Monday unless a funding agreement is reached for the Department of Homeland Security. The looming partial government shutdown has already led to increased wait times for travelers at airports. While Trump claims this action will improve security, Democrats oppose without stricter regulations on immigration enforcement. The situation is exacerbated by ongoing negotiations in Congress.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he would order federal immigration officers to step in for airport security starting Monday, unless Democrats agree on funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This announcement comes amid a partial government shutdown, which has caused long lines at major airports nationwide due to staff shortages.

In a series of social media posts, Trump expressed his intentions to deploy U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to manage security at airports, underscoring his commitment to crack down on illegal immigration. He stated, I look forward to moving ICE in on Monday, and have already told them to, 'GET READY.' NO MORE WAITING, NO MORE GAMES!

This strategic move aims to intensify immigration enforcement at a time when Congressional disputes over DHS funding continue to linger. Democrats have expressed their opposition to further funding allocations unless significant changes are implemented following recent fatal confrontations during a crackdown operation in Minnesota. They demand enhanced measures for the conduct of federal agents and better identification protocols.

Trump's announcement additionally targets Somali immigrants, claiming they have caused severe issues in Minnesota. He warned, If the Democrats do not allow for Just and Proper Security at our Airports, and elsewhere throughout our Country, ICE will do the job far better than ever done before. The involvement of ICE at airports raises questions regarding its implications for the responsibilities of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which oversees passenger screening.

As many TSA employees are considered essential workers, they have continued their duties without pay during the government shutdown, leading to increased call-out rates and employee resignations. Currently, 376 TSA workers have quit since the shutdown began on February 14.

During a recent session, Senate Democrats tried to pass legislation to reopen the TSA and provide funding for affected employees, but their efforts were thwarted by Republicans who insisted on a comprehensive funding plan for all DHS aspects. However, there are signs of potential progress, with a bipartisan group of senators engaging in productive talks with White House officials.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., emphasized the urgency for a resolution to prevent worsening conditions at airports, hinting at escalating lines and travel disruptions.