Trump threatens to use ICE agents for airport security as delays worsen amid DHS shutdown

March 21, 2026

TL;DR

President Trump threatened to deploy ICE agents to staff airports if a DHS funding bill isn't passed.
TSA staffing shortages are causing significant airport delays, with TSA officers missing their first full paycheck.
Increased TSA employee absences are impacting airport security operations nationwide.
Democrats are demanding policy changes regarding immigration enforcement practices before agreeing to a funding bill.
Billionaire Elon Musk offered to pay TSA workers' salaries during the funding impasse.
Some airports are partnering with food banks to assist TSA agents affected by the shutdown.

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