Originally Posted: 3/27/2026

Timeline:

• February 14, 2026: Partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security begins following congressional funding lapse.
• Late February 2026: TSA officers required to work without pay; reports of staffing shortages and absenteeism emerge.
• Early March 2026: Travel disruptions increase, with long security lines reported at major U.S. airports.
• Mid-Late March 2026: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel deployed to assist the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at airports nationwide due to staffing constraints

As the DHS shutdown continues, ICE agents are being deployed across multiple U.S. airports to support TSA operations, particularly in response to staffing shortages caused by unpaid furlough conditions.

While TSA screening functions remain in place, operational strain has led to longer wait times and increased reliance on interagency support. Initial reports reflect that ICE officers are generally assisting with limited functions, such as crowd control and document checks, rather than primary screening duties, but their increased presence has raised practical and legal concerns.

Importantly, ICE activity in airports is not new; however, this broader, more visible deployment represents a shift driven by funding constraints rather than a policy change. Employers and foreign nationals should be aware that heightened ICE visibility may increase the likelihood of encounters during travel and should plan accordingly, including carrying proof of status and understanding individual rights.

Please review our PDF below which contains information on your rights when interacting with ICE officers.