TSA wait times stretch up to 6 hours as ICE and other Homeland Security agents deployed to 14 airports

The Trump administration deployed ICE and other Homeland Security agents to 14 of the nation's airports on Monday to help shuttle passengers through overcrowded TSA checkpoints. In one airport, the security line wait-time was up to six hours.

The agents are filling in for TSA officers in some places due to mass call-outs during the partial government shutdown that is keeping the officers from receiving their paychecks.

More than 3,400 TSA officers — nearly 12% of all TSA officers who were scheduled to work — called out on Sunday, which is the most since the start of the partial shutdown.

Amid severe staffing shortages, some travelers navigating George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston dealt with six-hour wait times. Lines there snaked up three floors, starting in the basement's subway corridor before passing through the baggage claim area.

Security lines at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport extended all the way outside the terminal.

Across the country, some travelers expressed hope that federal agents might help ease the TSA bottleneck, but others were skeptical, including TSA officer and union representative Pascual Contreras.

"I don't believe that they're trained in a way that they can help us," Contreras said. "I've seen them outside standing around, I don't know if they are doing anything."

President Trump has told federal agents not to wear masks while operating in airports. He has also said they may soon be joined by National Guard troops if a deal to end the shutdown is not reached.

Senate talks aimed at ending it hit a new roadblock on Monday after Mr. Trump called on Republicans to hold out for passage of an elections bill that Democrats strongly oppose — though some key senators suggested Monday a deal to fund parts of the Department of Homeland Security is still possible.

In Fort Myers, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were deployed to Southwest Florida International Airport on Monday to support TSA operations during the ongoing government shutdown.

WINK News monitored RSW, where our reporters observed more than a dozen ICE agents moving between ticketing areas and security checkpoints, alongside an increased Port Authority presence.

Passengers at RSW had mixed reactions to the presence of ICE agents.

Some said the additional federal presence was reassuring — especially if it helps keep lines moving and maintains security.

"I think it's a great idea. We've got to keep the government going. We've got to keep the airports open and moving, and most of all, we've got to keep things safe. So the government's going to get things worked out," said Kubert.

"Hopefully it's helping the TSA staff," said Alex Bergendahl.

Others expressed concern about the increased law enforcement presence and questioned whether ICE agents are the right personnel for airport screening roles.

"What I'd like to see when I come to the airport is people who are qualified to work in an airport doing what needs to be done with the job," said Susan Small.

"It's kind of alarming to just be there. Seemed like there were a lot more, not just ice, but also just police than normal," said Casey Sams.

CBS reports that since the shutdown began, federal officials said more than 400 TSA officers have resigned. In response to the growing number of callouts from TSA officers, President Trump deployed ICE agents to more than a dozen U.S. airports on Monday.

Since the shutdown began, federal officials said more than 400 TSA officers have resigned. In response to the growing number of callouts from TSA officers, President Trump deployed ICE agents to more than a dozen U.S. airports on Monday. pic.twitter.com/wEA8TNKodK

— CBS News (@CBSNews) March 24, 2026

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WINK News has provided additional coverage to this story.