Trump Praises ICE Deployment At Airports, Signals Possible National Guard Move
President Donald Trump on Monday praised Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents for stepping in at airports nationwide as travel disruptions worsen, and hinted that even stronger action could follow if conditions don’t improve.
“I want to thank ICE because they stepped in so strongly,” Trump said, adding that the National Guard could be deployed if necessary. “If that’s not enough, I’ll bring in the National Guard.”
The comments come as airport congestion continues to spiral amid the ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown, now stretching beyond a month. With TSA workers missing paychecks, absentee rates have surged, leaving major hubs struggling to keep lines moving.
At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, ICE agents were seen assisting with crowd control and helping manage long security lines that stretched outside the terminal. Travelers reported arriving hours early just to make their flights.
Officials say ICE personnel are focusing on support roles such as checking identification and managing passenger flow, allowing Transportation Security Administration agents to concentrate on screening duties.
The heroes of ICE have arrived at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to assist the short-staffed TSA agents, who’ve gone more than a month without pay as a result of the Democrat shutdown of @DHSgov. pic.twitter.com/3bmtJqRawd
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) March 23, 2026
Border czar Tom Homan has emphasized that ICE agents are not replacing TSA screeners but are instead helping stabilize operations during the staffing shortage.
In New York, congestion has also been severe at John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport, where long wait times have frustrated travelers and strained airport resources.
Trump also weighed in on how ICE agents should present themselves during the deployment, suggesting they avoid wearing masks while working in airport environments to maintain a more approachable presence for travelers.
The administration continues to blame the shutdown on Democrats in Congress, as negotiations remain deadlocked over immigration enforcement provisions tied to DHS funding.
Meanwhile, the financial strain on TSA workers is intensifying. Many have gone weeks without pay, and some are reportedly considering leaving their jobs or taking on additional work to make ends meet.
Trump indicated that relief could come later, suggesting that bonuses similar to those issued after a previous shutdown might be considered for TSA employees who continue working through the crisis.
As airport conditions remain volatile, the possibility of deploying the National Guard signals that the administration is preparing for a prolonged disruption, with few signs of a resolution on Capitol Hill.