Armed ICE Officers at Airports Amid Shutdown

0:00On March 23, armed federal immigration officers showed up at some of the busiest U.S. airports this week. Dressed in tactical gear, they patrol terminals and stood near security lines after President Trump ordered the move. This comes during a partial government shutdown that has left thousands of transportation security administration workers without pay, causing major. Delays nationwide. The officers from immigration and customs enforcement appeared at spots like Atlanta's Heartsfield Jackson, New York's John F. Kennedy Houston's, George, Bush, Intercontinental, and others including Newark and New Orleans. So far, they have not checked passengers or made any arrests. Federal officials say they're just there to help supplement short-staffed TSA teams. Travelers had mixed feelings about the added presence. Some felt uneasy seeing armed agents near checkpoints while others noticed lines moving a bit faster in places like New Orleans. Some leaders for TSA workers push back hard, saying their members deserve back pay instead

1:01of being backed up by less trained immigration staff. Airport absenteeism hit 11.8 percent on Sunday, with more than 400 officers quitting amid the financial strain. The shutdown started when Department of Homeland Security funding lapsed on February 14. Democrats want big changes to immigration enforcement, like requiring warrants for home entries and clearer uniforms. Trump has rejected compromise offers, even from Republicans, and demanded approval of a strict voting citizenship bill. Talk stalled after he turned down a meeting request from Senate Democrats. Long security waits to drag on a key hubs, with Atlanta advising four hours for check-ins. Trump says ISEN TSA are coordinating well so far, but warned he might call in the National Guard if needed. For now, airports keep urging extra time as the budget fight plays out.