ICE Withdraws from Airport Checkpoints After Assisting TSA with Long Lines
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has begun withdrawing its agents from specific airport security checkpoints across the United States. This action follows their assistance to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) during a period of significant passenger delays caused by a partial government shutdown.
ICE Assistance Amidst Airport Delays
ICE agents were deployed to 14 airports starting on March 23, in response to increasing security wait times. The shutdown led to lower attendance rates among TSA workers, which resulted in hours-long lines at various airports.
Although ICE agents were not fully trained for TSA duties, they performed several key roles. This included:
- Checking passenger identification at the start of security lines
- Managing crowd control
- Distributing water to passengers waiting in long queues
End of ICE’s Airport Operations
As of last Thursday, agencies have reported that ICE is no longer stationed at Philadelphia International Airport. Tracy Borda, the airport’s interim CEO, expressed relief at their departure, stating, “We’re told that as of Thursday, we won’t have any more ICE officers at the airport.” Borda had previously notified all 17,000 employees about the agents’ presence.
Other airports, including Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, confirmed the end of ICE’s assistance last Friday and Monday, respectively. Pittsburgh International Airport also reported no ICE presence.
Impacts at Other Airports
Airports such as Houston’s William P. Hobby, George Bush Intercontinental, and several in the New York City area, like John F. Kennedy, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty, did not comment directly on ICE’s withdrawal. Instead, they directed inquiries to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and TSA, who have yet to respond.
Continued Operations Despite Withdrawal
Even with ICE’s withdrawal from checkpoints, the agency may continue to carry out enforcement activities within airport terminals. Reports indicate that federal airport security tips have led to the arrests of approximately 800 individuals from the start of President Trump’s tenure until February 2026.
This illustrates the interconnected roles of various divisions within the DHS and highlights the ongoing challenges at U.S. airports during periods of financial uncertainty.
