U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stern warning on Saturday, stating that he would deploy federal immigration agents to U.S. airports unless congressional Democrats quickly agree to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In a post on Truth Social, Trump asserted, “I will move our brilliant and patriotic ICE Agents to the Airports where they will do Security like no one has ever seen before.” His administration has faced significant backlash over its aggressive deportation practices conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol agents.
The former president’s rhetoric specifically singled out undocumented immigrants, particularly those from Somalia, suggesting that ICE agents would focus on apprehending individuals unlawfully residing in the United States. Later in the day, Trump indicated his plans to dispatch ICE officers to airports as early as Monday, instructing them to “GET READY.” “I look forward to moving ICE in on Monday, and have already told them to, ‘GET READY.’ NO MORE WAITING, NO MORE GAMES!” he declared.
In response to inquiries about Trump’s statement, the White House pointed to his social media comments. The DHS has yet to provide public commentary on the situation. Meanwhile, a bipartisan group of senators met with DHS border czar Tom Homan to evaluate recent immigration enforcement concessions proposed by the White House, as reported by POLITICO. These discussions are part of ongoing attempts to resolve a partial government shutdown, which is affecting multiple governmental functions.
The Senate is currently in session, engaging in various legislative matters, yet uncertainties linger regarding further negotiations on DHS funding. Democrats are demanding revisions to federal immigration enforcement operations in exchange for their support in releasing the necessary funds. Despite ongoing proposals exchanged over the past month, no deal has yet materialized.
While the current DHS shutdown has been less disruptive compared to last year’s historic impasse, the impact is being felt among essential personnel, many of whom are required to work without pay. This funding lapse is causing turmoil at U.S. airports, with increasing reports of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents resigning or calling in sick. The effects were evident at Newark Liberty International Airport as travelers encountered long delays on March 21 due to staffing shortages amidst a busy travel season. Reports indicated wait times exceeding an hour, particularly in high-traffic areas like Atlanta and Houston.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that failing to secure a deal could lead to even more severe disruptions. “If a deal isn’t cut, you’re going to see what’s happening today look like child’s play,” he told CNN. Duffy had also cautioned that smaller airports could soon face potential closures because of staffing inadequacies.
Amid these developments, Tesla CEO and former Trump advisor Elon Musk expressed willingness to cover TSA officers’ salaries during the ongoing funding stalemate. “I would like to offer to pay the salaries of TSA personnel during this funding impasse that is negatively affecting the lives of so many Americans at airports throughout the country,” Musk stated in a post on X. The average annual salary for TSA agents ranges from $46,000 to $55,000, though the specifics of Musk’s proposal remained unclear.
As the government navigates these pressing challenges, previous instances of private funding for military pay during shutdowns have raised questions regarding compliance with federal regulations. With significant financial repercussions looming, both travelers and agency employees are left waiting for a resolution.
Original Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/21/trump-ice-tsa-dhs.html
Category :
Tags:
Publish Date: 2026-03-22 16:01:00
