Trump warns ICE could replace unpaid TSA officers at airports

WorldPolitics
22 Mar 2026 • 1:23 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • Donald Trump threatened to replace unpaid Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at airports during a partial government shutdown.
  • Trump demanded Democrats fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and stated that ICE agents would perform security duties and arrest "Illegal Immigrants," specifically mentioning Somalis.
  • ICE agents are not trained for airport security tasks, unlike the approximately 50,000 TSA officers who have been working without pay since February 14.
  • The ongoing shutdown has caused increasing chaos at American airports, resulting in long lines and 366 TSA officers quitting their jobs due to missed paychecks.
  • Acting deputy TSA administrator Adam Stahl warned that airports might have to shut down if the situation persists, while a TSA spokesperson accused Democrats of "shamelessly playing politics."

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