Long TSA lines prompt federal officials to deploy immigration officers to assist at airports
Category: Politics
Long security lines continue to plague airports across the United States, with Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport experiencing wait times of up to 220 minutes on March 22, 2026. This staffing crisis is largely attributed to the partial government shutdown, which has left Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents working without pay, leading to an unprecedented number of call-outs and resignations.
On March 23, 2026, the situation remains tense. Early reports indicate that wait times at Bush Intercontinental Airport have improved slightly, with Terminal A South reporting a wait of just 13 minutes and Terminal E at a mere 5 minutes. Meanwhile, Hobby Airport's standard screening times were reported at 12 minutes, with TSA PreCheck at 6 minutes. Travelers are cautioned, though, that conditions can change rapidly, especially with several checkpoints at Bush closed, including Terminal A North, Terminal C South, and Terminal D.
Federal officials have announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will be deployed to assist TSA at 14 airports nationwide, though it remains unclear if Houston airports are included. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated, "If we can bring other assets and tools to assist TSA to get rid of these lines, yeah, I think that makes a lot of sense," during an interview with ABC News.
President Donald Trump has also weighed into the matter, indicating that immigration enforcement officers could begin helping at airports by guarding exit lanes or checking passenger IDs, but they will not be involved directly with TSA screening processes. The goal, according to federal officials, is to relieve TSA officers so they can focus on screening and reduce the lengthy wait times travelers have faced.
Reports indicate that over 400 TSA officers have quit, with thousands more calling out of work since the shutdown began on February 14, 2026. This has led to the highest call-out rate for TSA officers, which reached approximately 11.5% of the scheduled workforce on March 21, 2026. Travelers are advised to arrive at the airport three hours early for domestic flights and four hours early for international flights due to the continued staffing shortages and long lines.
Some travelers have expressed mixed feelings about the potential presence of ICE agents at airports. One traveler, identified only by the name David, expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of ICE officers taking on TSA responsibilities, stating, "There's no reason to believe they'll be trained to do it. Only havoc can be expected." Conversely, another traveler, Kyle Carpenter, suggested that if the presence of ICE agents helps relieve some of the strain on TSA, it could be beneficial.
On March 22, 2026, a post from George Bush Intercontinental Airport on social media announced that CLEAR would not operate on March 23, and TSA PreCheck would only be available at select terminals, closing at 10:30 AM. This announcement comes during a period where many travelers are already frustrated by the long lines and delays.
With the government shutdown still unresolved and the TSA workforce under severe strain, the deployment of ICE agents at airports could become a common sight. Travelers heading to Houston airports should remain vigilant and check terminal-specific conditions before heading out.
Federal officials are prioritizing large airports with long wait times for the deployment of ICE agents, aiming to alleviate the immense pressure on TSA officers. The situation is dynamic, and with the uncertainty of the government shutdown's resolution, travelers are advised to stay informed and plan accordingly.