Frank Rondel
President Donald Trump has warned that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents could be stationed at U.S. airports starting Monday if Democrats do not approve a funding package to reopen the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), reports customreceipt.com with reference to ABC News. On his social media platform, Trump wrote: “I look forward to moving ICE in on Monday, and have already told them to, ‘GET READY.’ NO MORE WAITING, NO MORE GAMES!” He previously stated that unless Democrats “immediately sign an agreement,” ICE agents would conduct airport security and immigration enforcement “like no one has ever seen before.” The precise roles ICE will assume in airports remain unclear, and the White House referred inquiries to the president’s post.
The threat follows repeated legislative blockages by Democrats, who on Friday prevented the fifth attempt to reopen DHS since the partial shutdown began in mid-February. Democrats have demanded reforms to ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) policies as a condition for approving funding, while Republicans have resisted funding other DHS components, including the Coast Guard, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Thousands of TSA employees have already missed their first full paychecks, resulting in long lines and delays for travelers at airports nationwide. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy called on Democrats to negotiate with Republicans, saying, “I just wish they would stop using the American people as leverage. Make them go through pain so Democrats can get what they want legislatively.” Senate Majority Leader John Thune echoed the call, urging Democrats to accept a funding deal to end the disruption.
Throughout the week, White House border czar Tom Homan met with a bipartisan group of lawmakers in closed-door sessions, concluding the latest meeting late Friday. Homan told ABC News that discussions remain ongoing and stressed the importance of reopening the government while continuing negotiations. Thune confirmed that the Trump administration submitted additional legislative proposals for DHS funding, although details of the new offer were not disclosed publicly.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized Republicans for attaching TSA funding to ICE policy without reform, describing the situation as holding workers and travelers “hostage in political games.” Schumer emphasized that Democrats are pursuing ongoing reform talks with ICE and CBP but stressed the urgency of paying TSA workers immediately and reducing airport delays.
Air travelers continue to face long lines and extended wait times at security checkpoints, with reports of up to two-hour delays at major airports, including George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. The DHS shutdown’s continued impact on travel logistics has intensified pressure on both parties to reach a resolution over the weekend.
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