'Helpful' and 'scary': Travellers react to ICE agents at airports
Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have been deployed to US airports to assist TSA during the partial government shutdown.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"ICE officers are guarding entrances and exits, assisting with logistics, and doing crowd control."
— Lauren Bis , Executive
"ICE agents run security machines at the southern border, which he said makes them qualified to run airport security lines."
— Sean Duffy , Politician
"ICE agents were 'filling the holes' left by TSA staffing gaps."
— Tom Homan , Executive
"This pointless, reckless shutdown of our homeland security workforce has caused more than 450 TSA officers to quit."
— Lauren Bis , Executive
"Trump made a brilliant move this week, and he called me, he says, ‘Let’s send ICE to the airport.’ I thought it was a smart move."
— Tom Homan , Executive
"We’re going to arrest criminals going through this airport. We’re going to look for human trafficking, sex trafficking, money, you know, um, money smuggling."
— Tom Homan , Executive
"President Trump made a smart move. We’re going to keep the airplanes flying. We’re going to get the American people to those lines quicker, and we’re not going to give up President Trump’s promise to American people to make this country safer every day, and that’s what we’re going to keep going."
— Tom Homan , Executive
"It could be a 'test run' ahead of 'ICE’s involvement in the 2026 midterm elections.'"
— Steve Bannon , Activist
"ICE isn't needed at PIT, where TSA lines have remained short and manageable."
— Sara Innamorato , Executive
"Deploying ICE for political gamesmanship, while the government refuses to pay TSA workers, undermines that vision by injecting fear and confusion where there should be connection."
— Jaime Martinez , Activist
Key People
The first female winner of best cinematography.
Republican candidate running in a special election for Congress.
Former president of the United States known for his aggressive economic policies.
Founder of immigrant rights group Frontline Dignity.
Rabbi Jennifer Lader is a community leader speaking out in response to a synagogue attack.
Jessie Buckley is an Irish actress and singer.
Spokesperson for the American Federation of Government Employees union representing TSA agents.
Deputy assistant secretary for public affairs at the DHS.
US Homeland Security Secretary under the Trump administration.
Michael B Jordan is a prominent American actor known for his roles in film and television.
Michael Bouchard is the Oakland County Sheriff.
Allegheny County Executive who has expressed opposition to ICE deployment at PIT.
U.S. Secretary of Transportation under Donald Trump.
Retired army general and Democrat candidate in a congressional race.
Former White House strategist known for his nationalist stance on immigration.
Former Acting Director of ICE.
Tags
All Coverage
Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have been deployed to US airports to assist TSA during the partial government shutdown.
Over 450 TSA officers have quit due to unpaid labor amid a partial government shutdown, severely impacting airport operations and leading to long security lines nationwide.
ICE agents have been deployed to assist TSA during the partial government shutdown, but their specific duties remain unclear, raising questions about the appropriateness and effectiveness of their involvement.
Despite being deployed to support TSA operations amid a partial government shutdown, ICE agents have been observed idly chatting and drinking coffee, rather than actively aiding with airport delays.
Former President Trump's border czar revealed that ICE's role at airports extends beyond crowd control to actively arresting individuals, raising questions about the appropriateness and effectiveness of their involvement.
ICE agents have been deployed to Pittsburgh International Airport to assist TSA during the partial government shutdown, sparking controversy over their role and effectiveness.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
US ICE grants $16.7 million contract to buy thousands of electric shock gloves - Reuters
US ICE grants $16.7 million contract to buy thousands of electric shock gloves Reuters
August 28, 2026 at 12:04 AMRight-wing commentator Milo Yiannopoulos detained by ICE
The British citizen, who lives and works in the US, has supported Trump and ICE agents in the past.
August 29, 2026 at 12:46 AMBritish far-right commentator Milo Yiannopoulos detained by ICE - Reuters
British far-right commentator Milo Yiannopoulos detained by ICE Reuters
August 28, 2026 at 08:12 PMUS to revoke visas of short-term visitors seeking asylum
The state department says the number of revocations "remains dynamic" and would be carried out on a rolling basis.
August 25, 2026 at 06:12 PMTrump administration issues pause on visa appointments for applicants worldwide - Reuters
Trump administration issues pause on visa appointments for applicants worldwide Reuters
August 26, 2026 at 12:21 AMUS judge refuses to force extradition of jailed ICE agent from Texas to Minnesota - Reuters
US judge refuses to force extradition of jailed ICE agent from Texas to Minnesota Reuters
August 26, 2026 at 10:46 PM