Trump Threatens to Deploy ICE in Airports Amid Funding Stalemate

Sat Mar 21 2026 21:45:43 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

President Trump announces plans to deploy federal immigration officers to airport security unless Democrats agree to fund the Department of Homeland Security, exacerbating tensions over immigration enforcement.

President Donald Trump declared his intention to involve U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in airport security unless a funding agreement is reached with Democrats for the Department of Homeland Security. Long wait times at major airports due to the partial government shutdown have heightened frustration. Democrats have been resistant to funding without conditions, with ongoing negotiations between Congress and the White House indicative of the precarious political landscape. The President emphasized an aggressive stance towards illegal immigration, particularly in light of recent incidents in Minnesota.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he plans to order federal immigration officers to assist with airport security starting Monday unless Democrats agree on a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security.

In posts on social media, Trump indicated that if the congressional standoff persists, he would mobilize U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to airports as longer lines during security checks at major airports are reported. He assured that these agents would target ‘all Illegal Immigrants.’

“I look forward to moving ICE in on Monday, and have already told them to, ‘GET READY.’ NO MORE WAITING, NO MORE GAMES!” Trump declared, while he spent the weekend in Florida.

This announcement is seen as an effort to broaden the immigration enforcement discussion that has stalled in Congress. Democrats have stated that they will not support funding for DHS unless specific changes are implemented following a crackdown in Minnesota that resulted in the death of two protesters. They are pushing for stricter identification protocols for federal law enforcement and improved conduct guidelines.

Trump’s statements echo previous criticisms he has made regarding Somali immigrants, particularly blaming them for what he describes as the degradation of Minnesota, emphasizing his intent to target perceived illegal immigration from that demographic.

As ongoing negotiations continue among Senate leaders, there are contrasting pressures: Senate Majority Leader John Thune has warned that without prompt bipartisan solutions, airport congestion and other issues will worsen.

Trump has yet to elaborate on how ICE would operate in conjunction with the Transportation Security Administration, which traditionally handles passenger and baggage screening. Most TSA employees remain essential and are currently working without pay during the government shutdown. However, employee call-outs are increasingly prevalent, with reports of a rising number of resignations amid the prolonged funding lapse.

Despite the simmering tensions, recent talks between the White House and two sides in Congress suggest there might soon be a breakthrough in negotiations.