U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that immigration enforcement officers could be deployed at airports if a funding deadlock over the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) continues.
The threat comes as a prolonged government shutdown has disrupted airport operations across the United States. Thousands of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers have gone unpaid, leading to staff shortages, increased absenteeism and long security lines at major airports.
Trump stated that agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) could step in to help maintain airport security if lawmakers fail to reach an agreement. However, ICE officers are not traditionally trained for airport screening roles, which are handled by TSA personnel.
The proposal has drawn criticism from opposition leaders and civil rights groups, who argue that using immigration agents in airports could lead to legal concerns and misuse of federal authority.
The funding standoff centers on disagreements in Congress over immigration enforcement policies and DHS budget allocations. While negotiations are ongoing, the situation continues to impact travelers and airport operations nationwide.
Officials warn that unless a resolution is reached soon, disruptions could worsen, especially during peak travel periods.
