DHS reverses move as Tsa Precheck briefly shut and flights scramble in Chicago
The Department of Homeland Security abruptly announced a suspension of tsa precheck and Global Entry that was slated to begin at 5 a. m. Chicago time, then reopened the programs hours later, a move that added confusion at Chicago airports during a major winter storm.
Tsa Precheck closed, then restored
DHS said the suspension would start at 5 a. m. Chicago time, but after 9: 30 a. m. it announced that the programs "remain operational with no change for the traveling public, " effectively reversing the earlier Saturday-night order; two DHS there are no changes to Global Entry.
Long lines and travelers’ reactions at O'Hare
An airport employee described long lines and confusion after tsa precheck lanes were closed and passengers were sent through general security, and traveler Jason Hahn said, "I came in 45 minutes before I normally do, I travel every week, " adding he got to O'Hare early Sunday in case he had to join the general line; Hahn also said, "In the back of my mind, I almost felt like the administration was punishing, " and that "Not having Global Entry can be the difference between two hours. "
Flights disrupted amid a major nor'easter
Flight schedules were already strained by a nor'easter moving up the East Coast Sunday into Monday: as of 5: 30 p. m. Sunday, O'Hare had 133 cancellations with average delays of 16 minutes and Midway had 23 cancellations with average delays of less than 15 minutes; airlines and travelers also faced storm warnings that included a forecast of at least a foot of snow and what was described as the first blizzard warning for New York City in nearly a decade, with 40 million people under blizzard warnings and another 14 million under winter storm warnings.
Political context and agency actions
The partial government shutdown began Feb. 14 after lawmakers failed to reach a deal on DHS funding, following growing calls to change immigration operations in the wake of the deadly shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, Minnesota, last month by federal immigration agents; DHS said it was suspending tsa precheck, Global Entry and courtesy escorts for members of Congress, and an updated announcement noted escorts were suspended "to allow officers to focus on the mission of securing America's skies. "
Official statements, expert reaction and other agency impacts
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said, "shutdowns have serious real world consequences, " and added that "TSA and CBP are prioritizing the general traveling population at our airports and ports of entry and suspending courtesy and special privilege escorts. " A TSA spokesperson said the agency "will evaluate on a case by case basis and adjust operations accordingly. " Travel expert Peter Greenberg reacted, saying, "My first reaction was, are you kidding me? This makes no sense based on the numbers we already know, " and, "It's just a longer line, it doesn't solve anyone's problems, it's not going to change anything in terms of the shutdown, it's more of a political act than anything else. " The shutdown has also affected agencies such as FEMA and the Coast Guard, and sources noted TSA workers have missed one paycheck while air traffic controllers are not impacted; this disruption follows a 43-day shutdown that ended in November.
What happens next
Travelers hope tsa precheck and Global Entry remain operational after the reversal; DHS said it will "evaluate on a case-by-case basis and adjust operations accordingly, " and the nor'easter is expected to continue through Sunday into Monday, a confirmed event that will further shape cancellations and delays.
