TSA wait times stretch up to 6 hours as ICE and other Homeland Security agents deployed to 14 airports

March 24, 2026

TL;DR

ICE and Homeland Security agents were deployed to 14 airports to help with TSA checkpoints.
The deployment is a response to mass call-outs by TSA officers during the partial government shutdown.
Over 3,400 TSA officers, nearly 12% of scheduled staff, did not report for duty on Sunday.
Wait times at some airports, like George Bush Intercontinental Airport, reached up to six hours.
President Trump stated that federal agents should not wear masks and may be joined by National Guard troops.
Senate talks to end the shutdown faced a roadblock, though some senators suggested a deal for parts of the Department of Homeland Security funding is possible.

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