Original Source
ICE Agents at Airports 'In the Way' During Staffing Shortages, Say TSA Officers
Deployment of ICE Agents and TSA's Response
Due to severe staffing shortages among TSA (Transportation Security Administration) officers at several US airports, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were deployed as backup. However, TSA officers are arguing that the presence of ICE agents is not helpful but rather a 'distraction' to their work. Pascual Contreras, a TSA employee in Phoenix, stated, "I don't think we need them here. We need to be paid." He added that ICE agents lack the 'highly specialized' training that TSA personnel undergo for airport security procedures, and their presence is "just one more wrench in the cog."
Travelers' Concerns and Government Shutdown Impact
Some travelers have expressed discomfort regarding the deployment of ICE agents at airports. Clarissa Vela, a member of the People's First Project, stated she was at the airport to ensure travelers did not feel intimidated, felt safe within the airport, and that agents were acting within the confines of the law. Travelers such as Diane and Mike Price described the situation as "very intimidating and scary," noting that the ICE agents were not wearing masks. This situation is attributed to increased staffing shortages after over 400 TSA officers resigned following a partial government shutdown.
*Source: YouTube: USA TODAY (2026-03-24)*
