By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers are being deployed to assist with airport security as Transportation Security Administration staffing falls amid a partial Department of Homeland Security shutdown.
- The move follows reports that more than 400 TSA officers have quit or called out during the shutdown, contributing to long security lines at major U.S. airports.
- Administration officials say ICE personnel will help with general security duties to free TSA staff for screening operations.
- ICE assistance began Monday at several major airports, including JFK and others, according to media reports.
- Federal authorities and airport officials are monitoring effects of the staffing changes and ongoing shutdown.
WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers have begun assisting with airport security operations at several major U.S. airports as Transportation Security Administration staffing shortages have intensified during an extended Department of Homeland Security funding lapse, officials and reports said.
The deployment comes after reports that hundreds of TSA agents have quit or missed work due to the ongoing partial shutdown, contributing to increased wait times for travelers at security checkpoints nationwide.
Administration officials have indicated that ICE personnel will perform general security duties such as managing passenger flow and supporting checkpoint operations so that TSA staff can focus on core screening functions, according to reports.
Images and accounts from media outlets show ICE agents present at security areas in airports including John F. Kennedy International Airport and others, where personnel shortages have been most acute.
Federal authorities and airport officials continue to monitor airport operations as the DHS shutdown persists and staffing changes remain in effect.