Trump Threatens to Deploy ICE at Airports Amid Government Shutdown

Sat Mar 21 2026 22:10:56 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

As airport security lines grow due to the ongoing government shutdown, President Trump has declared plans to involve ICE in managing airport security unless Democrats negotiate funding for the Department of Homeland Security.

In a recent announcement from Florida, President Trump stated that he intends to deploy officers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to airports by Monday, citing issues around airport security amid the ongoing government shutdown. This decision comes as long lines plague major airports. Trump emphasized that this move is part of a wider immigration enforcement strategy, particularly targeting immigrants from Somalia. The situation unfolds as Democrats and Republicans engage in negotiations to fund DHS amid rising tensions over the shutdown.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump announced plans to involve federal immigration officers in airport security starting Monday unless Democrats agree to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). With the airport security lines increasing due to the partial shutdown, Trump expressed his intentions on social media to deploy officers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to tackle these pressing issues.

Trump threatened to ramp up immigration enforcement at airports, promising to arrest 'all Illegal Immigrants.' He stated, 'I look forward to moving ICE in on Monday, and have already told them to, “GET READY.” NO MORE WAITING, NO MORE GAMES.'

As Democrats oppose the funding unless certain conditions are met, Trump's move seems aimed at pushing immigration enforcement further into airport security. He particularly highlighted the situation in Minnesota, where allegations of fraud involving Somali residents have become a focal point for his comments.

'If the Democrats do not allow for Just and Proper Security at our Airports, and elsewhere throughout our Country, ICE will do the job far better than ever done before,' Trump exclaimed.

The resistance centers around calls for better identification for law enforcement officers, a new code of conduct, and increased judicial warrants. During weekend sessions, Senate leaders discussed potential solutions amidst the ongoing funding dilemmas.

While TSA officers continue to work without pay during the shutdown, their call-out rates are rising, and resignations have increased significantly. With discussions ongoing in the Senate, leaders urge parties to find common ground quickly.