ICE agents to remain deployed at US airports even after TSA officers paid

ANKARA

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents deployed to US airports may stay in place even after Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers receive their back pay this week.

White House Border Czar Tom Homan told CNN on Sunday that the continued deployment of ICE agents at airports depends on TSA personnel returning to work, noting that ICE is maintaining high-level security due to a heightened threat environment.

Homan added that he is working closely with the TSA administrator and the ICE director to assess the specific needs of each airport.

President Donald Trump issued an executive order on Friday directing the use of preexisting funds to cover TSA paychecks, with payments expected as early as Monday or Tuesday.

The funding standoff has already caused long security lines at major airports due to staffing shortages. Democrats in the House and Senate continue to block full funding measures, which is expected to prolong the dispute and travel disruptions.

Negotiations to resolve the partial government shutdown remained deadlocked on Monday as it entered its 45th day, becoming the longest in US history.

Democrats in Congress are demanding major reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), while President Trump insists any funding deal must include the SAVE America Act originally introduced in January 2025 requiring proof of US citizenship for federal voter registration.

Trump has also urged Republicans to eliminate the Senate filibuster rule, so they could pass funding without needing 60 votes.