ICE Deployment Ordered to Airports as Travelers Face Hours-Long TSA Lines Nationwide

March 22 2026 NEW YORK, NY – Air travelers at New York City’s major airports faced significant security delays Sunday, with wait times stretching for hours as staffing shortages continued to impact TSA operations.

At John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), passengers reported waits of around three hours to clear security checkpoints. LaGuardia Airport (LGA) also experienced major congestion, with general screening lines taking roughly two hours. Even expedited screening was slowed: TSA PreCheck at LaGuardia’s Terminal B took approximately 50 minutes, far longer than typical wait times.

The delays were among the most severe reported nationwide, as major hubs including Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson and Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport also saw extended lines throughout the weekend.

Officials attribute the disruptions to reduced TSA staffing. Transportation Security Administration officers are required to work without pay during a shutdown, leading to increased absenteeism and reduced checkpoint capacity.

According to statements reported on Sunday, ICE agents will help manage security at airport entrances and exits to reduce the burden on TSA screeners and speed passenger flow while maintaining federal security protocols.
“This is about going to helping TSA do their mission and get the American public through that airport as quick as they can while adhering to all the security guidelines and the protocols,” Homan said during an appearance on CNN’s State of the Union.