by Ann Brown
March 22, 2026
Trump stated ICE would conduct “the instant arrest of all Unlawful Immigrants who’ve come into our Nation” and take over airport safety.
President Donald Trump introduced plans to deploy Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) brokers to airports nationwide beginning Mach 23 amid the continuing Division of Homeland Safety shutdown. On Reality Social, Trump stated ICE would conduct “the instant arrest of all Unlawful Immigrants who’ve come into our Nation” and take over airport safety if Democrats didn’t approve DHS funding.
The announcement comes amid lengthy airport strains brought on by Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) officers working with out pay through the partial authorities shutdown. TSA scanner and safety officer (TSO) coaching usually lasts a number of months, NBC Information experiences.
Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, confirmed on March 22 that ICE brokers could be strategically positioned in airports with the heaviest delays, Politico experiences. Whereas brokers gained’t function X-ray machines — duties for which TSA employees bear intensive coaching —t hey will help with specialised roles and proceed routine immigration enforcement.
Senate Republicans blocked a Democratic effort to fund TSA on March 21, whereas Democrats beforehand rejected GOP-backed proposals tying ICE funding to broader DHS appropriations.
ICE’s presence could heighten considerations amongst vacationers, labor advocates, and Democrats who proceed to push for TSA funding with out tying it to ICE coverage adjustments. The DHS shutdown, now extending into its second month, appears to have turned airports right into a high-profile battleground for the continuing partisan battle over federal funding and immigration enforcement.
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