President Trump and border czar Tom Homan have announced a plan to deploy Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to US airports to assist with security. The move comes as travelers face extremely long lines due to a partial government shutdown and resulting Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officer shortage.
Homan will lead the effort, with agents beginning assignments Monday. Their tasks will be limited to “non-significant” duties, such as guarding exits, while also working to ‘move those lines’ and enforce immigration law.
Despite the administration’s attempt to alleviate congestion, concerns have been raised regarding the ICE agents’ training for interacting with travelers. The deployment aims to address the impact of the ongoing impasse over Department of Homeland Security funds.