Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents started deploying to U.S. airports on Monday to support Transportation Security Administration workers facing severe staffing shortages. The move addresses long security lines caused by a partial government shutdown now in its sixth week, with TSA officers working without pay since February 14.

President Donald Trump announced the deployment on Sunday on Truth Social, stating, "On Monday, ICE will be going to airports to help our wonderful TSA Agents who have stayed on the job even though the Radical Left Democrats... are endangering the USA by holding back the money that was long ago agreed to." He first threatened the action on Saturday amid stalled negotiations over DHS funding.

The shutdown stems from a dispute following incidents where federal immigration agents fatally shot two U.S. citizens in Minnesota. Democrats have demanded policy changes, including judicial warrants for ICE operations and a ban on agents wearing masks, while Republicans resist. Hundreds of ICE officers, directed by White House border czar Tom Homan, are focusing on the nation's busiest airports, hardest hit by delays of up to six hours.

Agents are handling crowd management, guarding exits and entry points, checking identifications, and performing other non-specialized tasks to free TSA personnel for screening duties. They will not operate X-ray machines or work behind security checkpoints initially, as they lack specific aviation training. Homan described the effort as a "force multiplier," noting it remains a "work in progress." Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said ICE agents' border experience equips them for pat-downs and similar roles.

Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport confirmed agents arriving for line management and crowd control, reporting directly to TSA without conducting immigration enforcement. Officials cited security concerns in declining to list all locations, though reports indicate up to 13 airports were affected.

Democrats criticized the plan. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called deploying "untrained ICE agents" the "last thing the American people need." The American Federation of Government Employees president warned of risks from "untrained, armed agents." Some travelers expressed concerns over potential intimidation.

As of midday Monday, deployments were underway at select airports, with TSA absences continuing to drive disruptions. Negotiations persist, but no resolution appeared imminent ahead of Thursday's next TSA paycheck deadline.