During a government shutdown, President Trump decided to send federal immigration officers to help at U.S. airports, including Atlanta’s Hartsfield–Jackson, due to long security lines. These officers, usually at airports for customs and criminal investigations, are now visible at TSA checkpoints because many TSA workers are unpaid and calling in sick. This has led to some airports closing checkpoints and longer wait times for travelers. The Trump administration plans to send “hundreds” of ICE officers to airports with the longest lines, but hasn’t disclosed all locations for security reasons. Unions representing airport workers are concerned that ICE’s presence could increase tensions and distract from security. They urge immediate payment for TSA workers. Trump stated this move is to pressure Democrats to fund the Department of Homeland Security, which lost funding on February 14.
QUESTION: How might the presence of immigration officers at airport security checkpoints impact travelers’ experiences and perceptions of airport security?
ICE officers seen at Atlanta airport after Trump order amid partial shutdown
