ICE agents are deployed at U.S airports to assist TSA agents amid the ongoing pay and employee retention crisis. But as time goes on, critics of the plan are asking how long ICE agents will remain in airports.
TSA agents were paid on Monday, however, white house officials say border agents may be here to stay.
On Saturday, Tom Homan, President Donald Trump’s border czar, noted on CNN’s “State of the Union” that “it depends on how many TSA agents come back to work.”
In addition to that, on another interview with CBS News’ “Face the Nation,” Homan continued his statement, telling reporters that “we’re going to continue an ICE presence there, and until the airports feel like they’re in 100%, you know, in a posture where they can do normal operations”.
On Friday, Trump signed an executive order to pay TSA agents; however, it is noted that although TSA agents will receive pay, it is unlikely that the problem regarding long waits across airports will be relieved immediately.
Additionally, political observers have concerns about ICE being in airports, especially their continued presence in security lines and document-checking stations.
ICE’s authority is being questioned within airports, with some sources noting that ICE is not trained for aviation security, while others claim their presence in airports blurs the line between security and immigration enforcement.
In addition to that, the New York Times reported that TSA agents are sharing passenger information with ICE.
As of right now, ICE’s stated mission in airports is to alleviate the pressure put on the few TSA agents currently working, but based on past actions imposed by U.S border patrol officials, it is unclear whether or not ICE agents will remain in airports following the normalization of TSA operations.
Maya Duncan
Maya Duncan is a journalist with the Georgia Sun. Outside of writing she loves dancing, reading, and spending time in nature. Maya is passionate in sharing current events with anyone who is willing to listen.
