As of March 23, 2026, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers have begun deploying to TSA checkpoints at several major U.S. airports. This move, ordered by the Trump administration, is a response to severe staffing shortages and hours-long security lines caused by a six-week partial government shutdown.
While TSA agents are currently working without pay, ICE remains funded due to prior legislative allocations, allowing the administration to shift these personnel to airports as a “force multiplier.”
Key Details of the Deployment
- Purpose: Officially, ICE agents are being used for “non-specialized” security functions to free up certified TSA officers for technical tasks like X-ray screening and baggage checks.
- Specific Roles: Agents are reportedly assisting with:
- Line management and crowd control.
- Guarding exit and entry points at terminals.
- Checking passenger IDs before they enter the screening area.
- Locations: Deployment has been confirmed at 14 major hubs, including:
- Atlanta (ATL), New York (JFK and LGA), Newark (EWR), New Orleans (MSY), Houston (IAH and HOU), Phoenix (PHX), Cleveland (CLE), and Chicago (ORD).
Controversy and Concerns
The deployment has been met with significant pushback from various groups:
- TSA Union: The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) has denounced the plan, stating that ICE agents are not trained in aviation security and that the move is a “distraction” from the need to fund the DHS and pay TSA workers.
- Immigration Enforcement: While some city officials (like Atlanta’s mayor) stated they were told the deployment is not for immigration enforcement, Border Czar Tom Homan noted that agents will continue to “enforce immigration laws” as they deploy. President Trump also posted that agents would focus on the “immediate arrest of all Illegal Immigrants.”
- Traveler Impact: Civil rights groups and aviation unions have warned that the presence of armed, tactical-vested ICE agents may escalate tensions and cause “legitimate fear” among travelers, potentially slowing down lines further rather than easing them.
Travel Tip: If you are flying this week, expect continued delays despite the deployment. Check with your airline for the latest on checkpoint wait times, and be prepared for a visible law enforcement presence at the security gate.
For travel today, Monday, March 23, 2026, the situation at nearby Florida airports is a mix of heavy spring break crowds and the beginning of the federal ICE deployment.
While Lakeland Linder (LAL) remains a quieter alternative, here is the status for the major hubs you likely use:
Orlando International (MCO)
- Wait Times: Lines were roughly 40 minutes this morning. Security queues have been seen stretching down terminal hallways at peak times.
- ICE Presence: As of this afternoon, MCO officials state they have not yet been notified of an official ICE deployment to their specific checkpoints, though this could change as the “hotspot” list evolves.
- Disruptions: High volume. There are over 300 reported delays today due to the final week of spring break and nationwide TSA staffing issues.
Tampa International (TPA)
- Wait Times: Generally better than Orlando, with most lines under 15–20 minutes. However, during peak “Spring Break” surges, waits have reached 30–40 minutes.
- Current Status: TPA is not currently reporting the same “chaos” levels as Atlanta or JFK, but they still recommend arriving 2 hours early for domestic flights.
Southwest Florida International (RSW)
- ICE Presence: Federal immigration officers were confirmed on-site starting Monday morning to assist TSA with non-specialized duties like patrolling terminals and watching exit lanes.
Travel Summary for Today
| Airport | Current TSA Wait (Est.) | ICE Deployment | Major Delays? |
| MCO | 30–40 mins | Not confirmed yet | Yes (300+ flights) |
| TPA | 10–20 mins | Not confirmed yet | Moderate |
| RSW | 15–25 mins | Active | Moderate |
Recommendations:
- Check “MCO Reserve”: If you are flying out of Orlando today, check if any “MCO Reserve” slots are available to pre-book your security time for free.
- Monitor Flight Status: Airlines like Delta and Southwest are favoring delays over cancellations today to preserve revenue, so your flight time may shift several times.