US deploys ICE to airports amid shutdown, raising safety concerns

Federal agents including ICE deployed to 14 US airports including New York, Chicago, and Atlanta on March 23, 2026, to assist overstretched TSA staff during a partial government shutdown. The move aims to reduce travel delays during spring break but has drawn criticism from Democrats and rights activists who warn it risks escalating tensions in crowded airports. The deployment occurs amid heightened scrutiny of ICE after fatal shootings linked to immigration operations, including the deaths of two US citizens in Minnesota earlier this year. While ICE agents will not conduct passenger screening, their presence at transport hubs raises questions about the blurring lines between immigration enforcement and domestic security roles. Negotiations in Washington remain deadlocked over funding, with President Trump demanding immigration enforcement measures be tied to any spending deal.

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/03/23/us-deploys-immigration-agents-to-airports-amid-shutdown-chaos/