Did ICE Help? Airports Stop Posting Wait Times as Lines Stretch for Hours

Key Points

• Severe TSA staffing shortages led to hours-long security lines at major U.S. airports, prompting some to stop posting wait times online.
• ICE agents were deployed to assist with airport security but did not significantly reduce wait times, sparking concerns about their presence.
• TSA call-out rates reached record highs during a partial government shutdown, severely impacting airport operations.

Summary

Major U.S. airports are experiencing severe TSA staffing shortages, resulting in security lines stretching for hours and the suspension of wait time reporting at several locations. The deployment of ICE agents to assist with security did little to alleviate the delays, with social media showing continued long lines and raising concerns about the agents' presence. These challenges are compounded by record-high TSA call-out rates amid a prolonged government shutdown, further disrupting airport operations.